Beavers seek redemption against Academy

…as the two meet in high stakes rugby top-flight tie

NTHAKO MAJORO

MASERU – Mabote Beavers are gearing up for a high-stakes match against Academy in the Econet Rugby League, with revenge on their minds. Fresh off a triumphant victory over Maseru Warriors, Beavers are determined to maintain their momentum and settle the score with Academy, who narrowly defeated them in the first round.

Last weekend, Beavers tasted sweet revenge against Warriors, emerging victorious with a 28-19 win on their home turf. This victory was particularly satisfying for Beavers, who had previously suffered a heart-breaking 22-21 loss to Warriors in the first round. Now, with renewed confidence, Beavers are setting their sights on Academy, the team currently topping the league standings.

Beavers’ first encounter with Academy in the league’s opening round ended in a close 15-10 defeat. However, this time around, Beavers coach Letsielo Mabitle is confident that his team will leave everything on the field, just as they did against the Warriors last weekend.

“This game is crucial for us. We cannot afford to lose to Academy again,” said Mabitle. “We’re going to give it our all and make sure we come out on top this time.”

Beavers’ victory over Warriors marked the beginning of their second-round campaign, while Academy stumbled in their opening second-round fixture, losing 26-38 to Liqhomane. Despite this setback, Academy still hold the top spot in the standings, while Beavers are close behind in second place.

However, Beavers face a significant challenge as they prepare for tomorrow’s match. One of their key players, Sekhola Phate, who played a pivotal role in their victory over Warriors, will not be available for selection. Phate is set to rejoin his South African team, Toyota Cheetahs Academy, leaving a void in the Beavers’ line-up.

“Phate’s absence always leaves a gap, but we have managed to cope without him before,” said Mabitle. “Of course his presence makes a big difference, but we are still a formidable team even in his absence.” Phate, who is still registered with Beavers, only plays for the team when he is home, ever since he joined Cheetahs Academy earlier this year.

His departure leaves Beavers without one of their most influential players, but Mabitle remains confident in his squad’s depth. On the other side of the field, Academy captain Bokang Ncheke acknowledges the challenge that lies ahead.

“This is going to be another tough match,” Ncheke admitted. “The Beavers, like every other team we have beaten in the first round, are definitely out for revenge.”

Despite the pressure, Ncheke expresses confidence in his team’s readiness. “We cannot afford to lose twice in a row. We are prepared for the Beavers match, and our goal is to stay on top of the standings and qualify for the play-offs.” Academy have been a dominant force in the league, winning all their first-round fixtures before their recent slip-up against Liqhomane.

Ncheke attributes their success to the team’s strong chemistry and better combinations than ever before. “Our aim is to win the league title, and to do that, we need to stay in first place,” Ncheke said, adding: “Finishing at the top means we will face the fourth-placed team in the play-offs, giving us the best chance to reach the final.”

As Beavers and Academy prepare to face off, the stakes could be higher. With both teams eager to prove their mettle, tomorrow’s match promises to be a thrilling encounter in the Econet Rugby League. The league is contested by five teams, including Academy, Beavers, Warriors, NUL Spears, and the rookie Mabita Gorillas. As the season progresses, the battle for supremacy intensifies, with each team vying for a shot at the coveted title.