06 Mar 2022

Police V men have been crowned Botswana Basketball League pre-season champions following their 70-50 win against Dolphins on Friday.

Dolphins started the game on a high note with a 17-12 lead in the first quarter,  but however architectured their own downfall as they squandered a healthy lead in the third quarter to trail by 10 points into the final quarter.

Things went haywire for Dolphins in the fourth quarter with Police reflecting well on the offensive side of the court and sustained pressure on the helpless Dolphins who rebounded poorly against the much more experienced Nnaemeka Eze and Bushe Ramabu.

In the absence of a recognised centre following the decamping of Motheo Tsile to BDF V, Dolphins struggled to cope with the strength and height of both Eze and Ramabu.
With the benching of their star player, Kesaobaka Ndawanyana, due to foul troubles Dolphins options of going direct to the hoop were limited and had to really on the exceptional three point shooting skills of Joel Mothusi and Elliot Gaboitaolelwe who also had an awful night shooting from the three point arch.

On the ladies side, Police ladies team were also crowned the winners of the ladies pre season champions after defeated Dolphins ladies team 59-57 in a tightly contested game.
The ‘Poplets’ as the Police team is affectionately referred to, entered the contest as hot favorites with an array of national team players on their side.
Police started off strong behind the hot hand of senior guard and captain, Kemmonye Madikwe who were no match to Dolphins from the first whistle of game one.
In an interview, Police head coach Ronald Madzudzo expressed delight over his team’s overall performance.

He said they have strengthened their squad in preparation of the coming season adding that the arrival of veteran guard, Duma Setlhare from Troopers was a clear sign of their intention to defend the league title this season.

The defeat however seems not to deter Dolphins coach, Tyron Moyo from believing in his team’s

potential as he said in an interview that the tournament was a learning curve to his side and was pleased to note that there was a lot that could be derived from the game going forward.
He said there were a lot of positives from his side and the inflated scores line should never be used as a measure for success since the game was a pre season one used to weigh the strength and fitness level of the team.  ENDS