KBL 31/08/2008 – Khayalami becomes unstoppable
Khayalami hostel of the University of the Free State continued with their fine form when they beat Hoop Stars 59 – 54 this past weekend. Khayalami had a slow start to their game losing the first quarter 7-12. It was the introduction of the candidate of Rookie of the Year award Papi Radebe which changed the complexion of the game. From going in circles, Khayalami became more organised in their attacks from the beginning of second quarter. They were also helped by Hoop Stars who were in a charity mood. They cost themselves no more than 12 turnovers. They hardly made a successful jumper, mistakes that saw Khayalami leading 26-25 at half time. Hoop Stars came back to the game late in the fourth quarter to decrease the winning score to 5 points.
Dynasty had an easy game against Mangaung Snippers by winning 71-46. It was the second string of Dynasty who opened the score with 5 minutes on the clock. This came from the threats from the bench to substitute the entire first five. But it was number 7, Tshepo Kgosi of the opposition who stole the limelight. Ending the game at 20 points, the young Kgosi would have a bright future in basketball were the Professional Basketball League on progress. It takes watching players like these to realise the atrocities committed by the stagnating pro basketball. The introduction of Motaki Madimabe changed the complexion of the game. Although he came in with a directive to motivate the second team, he was in far many positions to make every basket count.
The rest of the scores are: Dynasty 48 – 44 Hoopstars; Firebirds 25 -21 Mangaung Snippers.
Commentary
The events involving Central University of Technology‘s Panthers provide an interesting insight into the development of basketball in the Mangaung Region. The team competes at the Gauteng Basketball League. The rest of the teams in the KBL barred the Panthers from participating in the KBL claiming that it will be unfair to them. They would perceive themselves to compete under immense pressure by letting Panthers to cover the schedule. It could make sense since there most teams are beginning their second round matches. They are also used to playing at the most two games a day.
However their participation in the league would have assisted in the transfer of skills. It is better to compete regularly with a stronger opposition to build mental strength at tougher competitions. For example, the participation of Navalsig High School makes them a better team compared to their opposition at the high schools. In fact they dominate their peers in the Free State.
Nevertheless there is a lot at stake in the KBL, which offer good opportunities for the winners of the league.
Article supplied by Setlogelo Lucas Radebe
Mr Lucas, I can’t see the league table….