Tensions run high as volleyball giants meet
THERE was a modicum of revenge when two of the province's volleyball giants clashed at the Seshego courts on Saturday.
SESHEGO – THERE was a modicum of revenge when two of the province’s volleyball giants clashed at the Seshego courts on Saturday.
When Botlokwa Evergreen and Bela Bela-based outfit, Komplits took to the court, the tension-filled atmosphere in the respective camps was almost tangible.
Although reigning champions, Komplits comprehensively won this encounter by a 2-0 margin, the score line could have been of epic proportions had it not been for robust blocking measures from Evergreen.
The opening tournament event was a precursor to the 2015 league season under the auspices of Limpopo Volleyball Association (LVA). In the pre-match warm-ups, rituals in the Komplits camp were characterised by battle chants, setting the tone for a clash of the titans.
Evergreen, on the other side, was visibly intimidated by their counterparts, inarguably the best side in the province.
Evergreen coach, Masipa Mailula and the players were justifiably anxious ahead of this encounter as they were up against a team comprising of some of the most terrific smashers of the ball in the modern game.
Komplits mentor, Kgotso “Marapo” Aphiri won this battle with a broad game plan by deploying Tebogo Maenetja as a server.
With a clear intention of scoring maximum points, Aphiri pinned his hopes on lethal attackers, Phindi “Makula” Issa, Jonnas “Long” Mothobi, Abram “Zela” Mapharumela, Philip “Sdala” Phasha, Solomon “Black” Ndlovu and Eric “Kaas” Kadjedi.
Aphiri said: “throughout the season, the team will be relying on a more aggressive style of attacking power play. This method of play has brought us positive results in major tournaments and several league matches. As the new season resumes in April, we need to add some livening drama to our game plan, just to give our fans some glimpses of brilliance on the courts”.
Mailula was less worried by the defeat, citing the abundance of talent and depth in the opposition game.
“I am not entirely bothered by this defeat. We have lost against a formidable opposition. This is was an eye-opener and we hope to improve on our game so that in the next fixture we close all the gaps.”
