Prisons had to dig deep to come from behind and beat the young studded Jwaneng Netball Club 48-34 during the LUCARA Netball League game played on Saturday.
This was the last fixture for the South Zone after a game between Police and UB Crystals was cancelled after Crystals failed to show up.
Jwaneng won the first quarter with comfortable 12-7 goals that were poached by Katlego Malele and Larona Mokhomba. The two talented players were in the AUSC Region 5 team that played in Lesotho last December.
They have been recalled to join the squad that will be travelling to the 2022 edition this December.
The youngsters were versatile in the court combined with speed that kept their opponents on their toes. Jwaneng continued with the good foot work claiming the second quarter 29-22.
After the half time break, Prisons made some changes that were meant to stop the marauding girls from Jwaneng. National team player, Ntebogang Motlakaloso shifted to her comfortable position in defense after playing goal attack in the first two quarters. The side introduced Bonang Tshipana who brought height in the line of attack for Prisons.
The arrival of Tshipana changed the complexion of the game as The Warders started taking control. It was easy for to take balls from shorter Jwaneng goal keeper found it difficult to keep up with Tshipana’s height. Prisons won the third quarter 32-31. Jwaneng was dealt a blow in the fourth quarter as Malele had to be substituted due to an injury. Prisons continued causing harm to Jwaneng and the combination of Tshipana and Dintle Gaolalwe worked magic. Prisons won the last quarter to qualify for the Lucara League Top 8 that will be played in Letlhakane.
Jwaneng coach, Cecilia Koontse told Sport Monitor that her team is made up of students from various senior secondary schools such as Mogoditshane and Good Hope.
“In Jwaneng I train with four players while others train at their respective schools. That is why in the first quarter our combination worked perfectly but as the game progressed, we fell flat. If we trained together, we were going to be one of the best teams in the league. Prisons killed us with passes, nothing else. We just have to go back and prepare for the next season,” she said.
For his part, Prisons coach, Regent Pitso said they played a friendly game on Friday, which was meant to identify mistakes.
“We started this match slowly because we wanted to give our players who have not been playing game time. We always come back from behind in most of our games and that is what we did today. Jwaneng players are youngsters and they have fast foot. On my side I have older experienced players and they were not able to keep up with speed from our opponents.
I had requested them to close spaces all the time but that did not work,” Pitso said.
He said the plan was for the goal shooter to receive balls, score but that did not work hence they introduced a short goal attack. He said they ended up switching Motlakaloso to the back and introduced Tshipana in front.
Teams: Jwaneng: G. Adeooni (GK), N. Kwenaetile (GD), B. Lekgari (WA), L. Lekgari (C), S. Lekopa, Malele, Mokhomma and G. Oaitse (WD
Coach: Koontse
Prisons: S. Elliot (C), A. Gaofiwe (GD), Gaolaolwe, M. Makwete (GS), Motlakaloso, R. Swart (WA) and F. Tshupo (WD).
Prisons: 48
Jwaneng: 34
