Fatigue creeps in as teams continue to fight for top positions


By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

In the first game on Day 3 of TNL Power-Week 2, the Sonoblomo faced off against the Lillies from Limpopo in a B Division game. The Limpopo side came out desperate to record their first win of the tournament, however, the many unforced errors, caused them to succumb, 40 – 28 to the Free State team.

Netball South Africa spokesperson, Karabo Mokgalagadi said in the second game of the day, the current B Division log leaders, the Comets, convincingly beat the Kingdom Queens, which was not the result that the Queens needed. 

Mokgalagadi said coach Magda du Plessis, desperately came out wanting her team to find all cylinders, which they are just not doing at the moment, while the Comets recorded their third win in as many days.

“In the match between Tshukudu and the Kingdom Stars, debutants Tshukudu continue to be an exciting team to watch. They had a serious step up during the game. At half-time, the Stars were leading quite convincingly, but in true cliché, proven right, never underestimate the newcomers. 

“The team from the North West, managed to keep the Stars at bay and only lost to them by one point. The fourth game of the day between The Sunbirds and Diamonds, saw many moments of brilliance,” she said.

Mokgagadi further said Dlamini on goal attack, for the Diamonds, had an outstanding game. She added that Dlamini ran the attack and was a close contender for player of the match.

“The Sunbirds’ attack led by wing attack Sinothando Zimema, stood out. Lika Boysen, who walked away as the player of the match, received most of the passes and provided accurate feeding with great pace control, benefitting the team.

“The Baobabs, who are still missing Cornelia Mupenda at the back, remain a challenge for them. It seems like they are still struggling to adjust to the game’s tempo in Division A,” said Mokgalagadi. 

She said Emily Mathosa’s side is still finding it difficult to record a win. Mokgalagadi said on the other hand, the Jaguars came out a little fatigued after their massive clash yesterday, but managed to stay on the winning streak against the Aloes in the last game of the day.

Former Proteas player and netball analyst, Vanes-Marie du Toit said it was exciting to watch the debutants play against experienced teams.

“Tshukudu’s mid-court players gelled well together while the Stars made questionable changes in the last quarter which directly contributed to Tshukudu catching up,” said du Toit. 

Meanwhile, coach and commentator, Mampo Tsotetsi said: “There was one-way traffic for the Stings, with no response for Sian Moore in the front. It was an interesting introduction of Kelly Gouws in the GA position and brought a great partnership between Gouws and Moore in the shooting circle. 

“Syntiche Kubuya, who is a fantastic left-hander, kept pushing Muhluri Hlatshwayo to her dominant side and towards the line, away from the post, which eventually affected Hlatshwayo’s confidence.”

Full Results:

Sonoblomo 40-38 Lillies

EC Comets 47-33 KD Queens

Tshukudu 49-50 KD Stars

Sunbirds 54-48 Diamonds

Stings 74-36 Baobabs

Aloes 41-59 Jaguars

Monday (3 June) Fixtures:

KD Queens vs Diamonds

Sunbirds vs Comets

Tshukudu vs Sonoblomo

KD Stars vs Tornados

Stings vs Flames

Baobabs vs Crinums

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