In the opening semi-final encounter between KZN’s Predators and Super Kids from Gauteng it was the KZN ladies that took a commanding lead in the first set and closed proceedings with a morale boosting 25-16 score line.
With playmaker Selina Naidoo in sublime form it took very little effort to make sure that her attackers were given a variety of attacking options to put post valuable points on the scoreboard. Lindelwa Pepu and Palesa Makofane joined Yasmin Rajak in attack to crush Super Kids’ efforts to claw their way back into contention. Predators won the set by a 25-16 margin.
In the ‘do or die’ 3rd set a rejuvenated Super Kids pulled out all the stops to upset their high riding opponents who had a comfortable 2-0 lead. Lady Luck seemed to have turned her back on the Super Kids who let the set slip through their fingers by a heart breaking 25-23 defeat that booked the Predators a place in Friday’s final.
The highly fancied VUT led by power hitter, Nokulunga Kunune from Swaziland and teammates Khosi Dlamini and Manana Mosia who represented South Africa in the youth category effortlessly won the opening set by a 25-14 margin against Panthers from the Free State. However it was an uphill battle for the students who relied heavily on setter Lesego Rakhale to create the best attacking options for Manana and Nokulunga to take VUT into the final against KZN’s Predators. Hard work paid off as the VUT ladies won the 2nd and 3rd sets by a 25-21; 25-20 score line much to the relief of their coach and the delight of their fans.
Donovan Nair
VSA SG