Police took the lead from the first set, showing intention to run away with it but Kutlwano were able to come from behind to settle the score. Alec Engleton of Police went for attack only for the threat to be dealt with by Kutlwano. The game was now getting into high tempo as Kutlwano took the lead, with its supporters breaking into song and dance.
Feeling the pressure, Lemogang Magote was able to steal a point for Police. Kutlwano opposite blocker, Tiro Otimile who was in his element, punished Police with a mid air spike. The side was now marching to victory as Police kept making mistakes. ‘Big House’ as Kutlwano is known to its legion of fans, claimed the set with a huge margin of 25-14. Kutlwano continued having an upper hand at the start of the second, setting the pace with beautiful serves. Tyiyapo Madeluka’s brilliant play left Police players paralysed as he hit their mid court to give Kutlwano a 9-5 lead.
The opposition started showing discomfort when they realised that the game was slipping from their hands. But it was not over yet for Police as Phenyo Thebeng answered the call hitting Kutlwano to reduce the score line. The game continued until both sides registered a 21-21 score but Kutlwano went on to punch the win registering 27-25. Police were able to redeem themselves in the third set after the technical team made some changes, picking a 25-15 set. The tight march went to be decided by the deciding set.
Speaking to Sport Monitor, Kutlwano coach, Shadrack Modiakgotla said it was a good game more especially that Police has been dominating for some time. “We had to go and prepare for them because they have good players but we also have good players. We had our setter, Madeluka who was controlling the game from the beginning. We had a good start, which is something we have been struggling with and they have always been beating us 3-0. We were also ready to go all the way to the deciding set because we worked on our fitness this week,” he said.
Modiakgotla said he was happy that his charges were able to implement the tactics to the letter. Reacting to the performance of Otimile, Modiakgotla applauded the player, saying he is a good player and attacker. “First set he was not visible but I told him to use his strength, attack the ball because it was the only way to win.
We also used this match to prepare for Zone VI,” Modiakgotla said. Police coach, Peaceful Seleka was an emotional man as he felt that his plan did not work. He said that meant he had to switch to another plan, which meant adjusting and it took time hence losing the first two sets. “We had won this game but my players got carried away. I warned them that they should not celebrate early. Decision making was not on point and we did not make good decisions at crucial point, which is why we lost. It was a good game because it showed our mental strength,” he said. Seleka said the final was not about winning, it was a demonstration of good volleyball. In the women’s side, Police emerged victorious against Kutlwano.
The teams Kutlwano: Libion Machae, Madeluka, Otimile, Thabang Pamani, Lebani Kula and Gorataone Motsentwa. Coach: Modiakgotla Police: Engleton, Moemedi Siphambe, Happy Ribbin, Thebeng, Maatla Mogapi and Magote. Coach: Seleka.
Kutlwano Police 2
