The match was part of the ongoing Lucara Netball League for the Southern Zone played at BONA Courts over the weekend.
Cats started the game on the back paddle, losing the first quarter with a close margin of 13-14.
The army girls came back to claim the second quarter with a slim win of 28-27. The game became closely contested forcing BDF to dig deep into their experience. They won the last quarter with a close margin of 43-42.
BDF assistant coach, Dunga Matlho told Sport Monitor that he was concerned that his side started the game badly. He also said the reason could be that the players did not get enough warm up before the match. “It took my players a long time to catch up with the game. That is why it was tight, with one up, one down scores. We were expecting a win coming here but it was not going to be easy.
The game plan was to play short balls and attack space where possible,” he said. Matlho said BDF lost some players when the sport was suspended.
He said they are in the process of beefing up their squad. Notwana coach, Sithulile Mlochwa said the game plan was to mark BDF in mid court because that is were they have strength. She said they also identified BDF goal attack (GA), Hildah Binang. “She is one of the best GA’s in netball.
Our strategy was to reduce her movement. Since she is a senior player, she read that and changed play. I defend with juniors, so it was difficult for them to adjust. But our young GK played very well against their GS, Tebogo Radipotsane who was always holding the space,” she said. Mlotshwa said just like all sporting codes, it was difficult for her players to train individually during the stay away from sport.
She said despite that, Notwane has improved from the BONA mini league to the league. She said during the mini league, they lost with a margin of 10 points but they have now reduced to five points. “From this match, I picked that BDF is physical and we are shy to contest. The game of netball is on contest and if you do not contest, you lose,” she said. After the President’s Day holidays, Notwane take on Blue Crystals. Meanwhile, Southern Zone spokesperson, Phenyo Raphofu said the league started on a slower pace but have since improved.
He said after the mini league, there was a break but now the momentum has improved. “I am happy with the performance with all the clubs we have. The new club, Vipers has grown compared to the mini league.
UB was not there during the mini league but they are back and even won their game today,” he said. Raphofu said there is a lot of talent in netball and most of experienced players have shifted to administration. Meanwhile, Raphofu said the plan for the senior national team is to qualify for the Netball World Cup scheduled for Cape Town. Women’s other results: Police 60-31 Prisons. Crystals 34-29 Vipers. Men: BDF 32-28 Police.
Cats 56 Notwane 51
