REP INHLONHLA NETBALL KO CHAMPS

MBABANE – Usual suspects Royal Eswatini Police are back on the podium to claim gold in the inaugural Inhlonhla knockout tournament.

The eventful tournament ended with the decoration of the police side as champions ahead of fellow security forces ensemble following a 32-18 win during a pulsating decider at OlympAfrica Sports Development Centre in Lobamba yesterday.

It took a few minutes for the blue and white outfit to get off the mark after allowing the equally experienced opponents to draw first blood.

Boasting

Boasting former national team players Sebenzile Nxumalo and Ncamisile Dlamini in attack, REP eventually proved a hard nut to crack, as they were flawless in transition from defence to attack.

UEDF burly goal shooter Andiswa Dlamini had led the visitors’ attack at first and was audacious during the early exchanges.
However, UEDF ran out of steam as the game progressed and REP were 22-12 up by the end of the third quarter.

At the end, it was no surprise that REP had the last laugh with the 32-18 win to claim the E2 500 first prize.
Winning captain Hlengiwe Bhembe said they expected to be the last team standing, but highlighted that teams like UEDF, Mbabane Raiders and Manzini Ladies also did their homework.

experienced

“REP paraded taller and experienced players. We played well overall, but lost possession cheaply sometimes.  However, we are happy to have played the decider and our dedication steered us to the final,” said UEDF skipper Nomvula Hlophe.

 Completing the list of the podium finishers were the fast-improving Mbabane Raiders, who shook off a depleted Manzini Ladies with a 35-29 win.
Meanwhile, a men’s netball team styled Spinal Tappers, was a cut above the rest in the category featuring three teams and claimed the E700 first prize.
The men teams played a one-day tournament in round-robin format.

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