EL Police expect a tough rugby encounter when they lock horns with Star of Hope in the Eastern Cape Super 12 semifinals at Jabavu Stadium in Kwanobuhle, Uitenhage on Saturday.
According to Police Super 12 captain Lonwabo Ntlama, one of the longest serving players in the team, they will be up against an experienced side that has proven itself.
Ntlama, who’s been with Police since 2007, said they had to ensure that they were on top form in order to withstand anything their opponents might have in store for them.
Police are planning to go all the way to clinch this year’s title, he said.
“We’ve never played against or seen Star of Hope play, but we still believe they are a good and experienced team and we respect them,” said Ntlama.
The prolific wing said as Police were the runners-up in the Border Super League last season, they had to prove their worth and win more silverware.
“To be in the semifinals says a lot about our opponents because we’ve seen them topping the log. They are not a Mickey Mouse team where you just pitch up to the game and think you are going to win.
“We have to work for the positive result in order to reach the final and we’ve put in a lot of hard work at training this week and that will help us a lot.”
Ntlama said they started playing the Super 12 with a big squad but they had to make changes in order to produce the goods.
“We started with many guys and they were all good and talented players, but we had to find the right combinations.
“And we were only able to do that after some time because we played against well-trained teams in this tournament.
“The most fierce opponent we faced was Progress. They have a good side and they only managed to beat us with a penalty in the dying minutes of the game.
“It’s not surprise Progress will be playing PE Police in the second semifinal, because they finished first in our group and we came second.”
He said they were able to rectify the mistakes committed in the tournament.
“I’d say we’ve been lacking composure and that caused us to panic a lot especially in crucial positions on the field. But I think this time we are ready for Star of Hope because we are more composed,” said Ntlama...