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Notes from the training update..

Solomans, no pops but a solid strong GS and the highest DMI so he looks ready to go, and we will need him.

Modise, has second highest DMI but no pops, only proficient GS of the week. I do not have him slated to start but I do hope the minutes he plays are productive.

Mthebe, solid DMI, strong GS with a SB pop and stamina pop to boot. I think he will be able to provide solid performance.


Mbazia, minor RB pop, respectable GS, not a real high DMI, long as he handles his defensive business he should be fine.

Mbata, a HA pop which never hurts, kind of a meh GS reset and DMI, so no telling how consistent his performance will be.

Pöll, another so so GS reset, no pops, but he is a our future down on the blocks, Senegal will serve as a good measuring stick.

Nthite, he did get a IS pop but as expected his reset especially in terms of GS and DMI left a lot to be desired, but was not unexpected.

All 11 will dress, the seven above though will be the ones to determine our Fate. I do think being the "home" team (not host) helps a little bit, but that could be a perception because this is supposed to be neutral. But I think this really will be a great example in contrast in styles. Senegal has a new manager as well and after going winless in what was a BRUTAL draw in world's I'm sure he will be anxious to start out strong, but so will we. I would have liked a better break on the GS reset, but it was at no fault of the individual managers, pretty much everyone I needed to be at the best possible shape was played a appropriate amount in their league games, it is just the way these things go sometimes. Sure DMI and GS are not be all end all. Everything taken into account I see this as a coin flip, I can see this going either way and expect this game to come down to the little things.

SECOND HALF SURGE KEYS SPRINGBOKS IN OPENER


After trailing at intermission a 34-14 third period advantage gave the Springbok working room as they survived a late rally by Senegal 96-93 in the round robin opener. Kefentse Solomons scored 39 to lead the way. While his backcourt compatriot Kasiya Mbazia scored a surprising 21 to head up four players in double figures.


Senegal's two headed inside monster of Kital and Boyla were relatively held in check and in fact were out rebouded by their less ballyhood opponents Mthebe and Pöll (27-19) as the Springboks actually won the overall rebounding battle 46-45. Including a 14-7 edge on the offensive glass. South Africa also was a +6 in turnover margin (13-7). Free throw shooting though was a real Achilles heel as the boks' were a worrisome 15-36 from the charity stripe. Afterwards Coach Lambini quipped "our fans need to remember the vuvusela is to be used when the other guys are on the line, otherwise the fans were great as it was a fevored atmosphere."

Trailing 51-42 early in the second half the boks' went on a 18-0 surge to flip the script 60-51 as the margin eventually grew on several occasions to thirteen. However Solomons fouled out with nine minutes to play with the Boks still holding a nine point edge. But the Boks maintained their poise keeping Senegal at arm's reach. In the games waning seconds however the struggles on the free throw line threatened to undermine the whole evenings efforts. However Senegal quite simply ran out of time.

In other action on opening night.

Al-Jazair tripped up Tunisia 92-85

Egypt knocked around Nigeria 107-58

And Al-Mahrib manhandled Ghana 105-74

Up next for the Boks is Ghana "Al-Mahrib might have only dressed three to keep the score from being too lopsided. Do not expect us to extend the same courtesy." said coach Lambini. Up next for Senegal is Tunisia.

Last edited by Coach Lambini at 05/20/2019 22:22:16

Good win to start the tournament ! :)

well done!

Nice win!

Thanks to everyone for their support! The goal over the next few weeks is to continue to build towards being able to compete with Egypt. Though Senegal is not to be forgotten by any means! I foresee us encountering them both on 2 maybe even three occasions each. And it will be how we do against them which will tell the tale! I am reaching out to our managers to try and keep track of where they plan to go with their respective players in terms of training. Sometimes we are in lockstep, sometimes at somewhat a loggerhead, but I will always try to be pleasant and supportive because it's just buzzer beater!

My goals at this point are twofold....

1. Win the Africa tournament! Sure we are a little thinner than I would like, but there is a nucleus of talent in our magnificent seven! Good balanced prudent training that accentuates strengths that are on the verge of elasticity and getting those stretched is attainable for many of those seven. But again sometimes what I see and what I think can be accomplished does not jibe with what that particular owners vision would be, and that is OK! I do hope that at some point during the season I will see someone either currently on the team or in the pipeline that I can call up to bolster the ranks because one or two more pliable pieces really would help, but I have a lot of confidence in what is in place.

2. cajole some building in the pipeline for the future. I am focusing on the present but keeping one eye peeled towards the future. Ours is a veteran club with lots of 21 year olds, what lies in behind that at the moment is concerning. But I am cautiously optimistic players will develop that will be wonderful additions in the future. The numbers may be small but there is no reason why in time, under my administration or not, that a "golden generation" cannot be fostered.


As always my door is open for questions, concerns, and opinions. It is not my team, but it is OUR team, and if we are fortunate enough to defend our home soil and to sit on the gold podium on the final night it will be ALL of us who will collectively share in this glory.


Cordially yours,

Coach Lambini


Last edited by Coach Lambini at 05/23/2019 12:01:08

Ketso Nthite is on the TL, I have put up the initial bid, if you other guys are interested go ahead and get in line. But if take him, please take care of him.

I just put a bid but I may not be able to log when the auction ends. What will it cost?

No telling what that guy will go for, but that 350k might hold.

SPRINGBOKS U21 CRUISES TO EASY WIN AGAINST GHANA


After a tense opener the RSA youth squad had a breather as they outgunned overmatched and under represented Ghana 153-74 in front of a packed house at G-Wawa. Montsho Mthebe led six Springboks in double figures with 30 points to go with 10 rebounds and 4 blocks. Krish Modise also took great advantage of his surprise start with 26 points and four steals as the Springboks forced a total of 31 turnovers. Also the hero of the Senegal contest Kefentse Solomons was more of a playmaker with 10 assists to go along with 24 points as all members of the squad played and all scored in the rout.

In other Africa cup action ...

Egypt crushed Al-Jazair 91-41

Senegal survived against Tunisia 91-87

And Nigeria won a 94-91 nail biter against Al-Mahrib

Up next....Nigeria



Last edited by Coach Lambini at 05/28/2019 07:18:30

A very interesting and fruitful week for the squad in terms of training. Several of the high end guys made solid progress and several of the backups and projects also moved forward. CrazyBob owns two main pieces, but has stepped away from the game for a few days. I hope we see him soon.

We should be in good shape against Nigeria as the goal remains to be building towards hitting our stride by seasons end. But after the rather shocking loss I took in my league I am taking nothing for granted.

Great job by all the managers this week. Keep pounding!

Last edited by Coach Lambini at 06/01/2019 23:00:28