The team recorded its first win against Kenya on Tuesday, and once again proved they will be the team to beat with the victory over Eswatini. Dinaledi are on a mission to pick revenge over teams that have been terrorizing them in the past few years. Botswana started the match on a high note, winning the first set 16-8, a score line that settled the nerves of the local technical bench as they made changes, resting Hildah Binang (Goal Attacker) and Maipelo Mosotho in defense. The changes seemed to give the visitors confidence to attack but Botswana proved they mean business claiming a 29-20 lead at the half time break.
From the break, Eswatini piled pressure on the hosts, scoring four points without a response. The move led to Botswana coach switching her defense and Binang was also brought on to assist in attack. Dinaledi won the third quarter 41-31. In the last quarter, Botswana’s towering shooter, Cheludo David was replaced by Boikanyo Selogetso to wrap up a game which was already in the bag. In a post-match interview, midcourt player, Barati Phesudi said all teams came prepared for the tournament hence confirming participation. “Nobody wants to lose, just like us, we came prepared. We want to be champions. This is my second time competing in the Africa Netball Cup and I made my debut in the last edition which was hosted by Namibia. I am impressed by my team mates, they are having a good time on the court,” Phesudi said.
Botswana senior women head coach, Neo Ntwaagae said she has achieved revenge against Eswatini. “I could not believe that we lost against Eswatini, that was a heart break on its own. Today pound-for-pound we played similar style and the power play was fine, it really pushed my girls,” she said. Regarding the absence of Fatima Dino, Ntwaagae said the knock that she picked on Tuesday was not serious, it was just to give her a rest. She said changes that were made were meant to give the entire team a feel of the game. Botswana’s next match is against Zimbabwe tomorrow.
