The defending champions, the Free State Crinums, remain upbeat and confident heading into this next phase of the competition, despite currently sitting second on the log.

In their final game of the first power week, they suffered a 57–49 defeat to the Zambezi Eagles, and they’ll face the same opponents when the competition resumes. The match against the visitors from Zimbabwe did not affect the Crinums’ log position as they are playing by invite, and are not part of the log standings.

Crinums coach Martha Mosoahle-Samm told OFM Sport that the team is still in a good space.

Martha Mosoahle-Samm. Photo: NSA

“Yes, our preparations are going well and the girls are working very hard,” said Mosoahle-Samm. “The first leg was quite tough – I think it was for everyone – as all the teams were still trying to suss each other out. But I’m really proud of how the Crinums performed.

“In the games we won, we did so with great margins, even though we were managing injuries and missing key players at times. The girls stepped up and were honestly amazing.

“So I’m excited about what the second leg will bring. Now that we’ve all played each other, we’ve got footage of our opponents, which makes it a bit easier for us to focus on where we went wrong, and make improvements.

“Even though the first leg was a big one – and a good one – for us, there were still a few hiccups here and there, and we’re definitely working on those. We’re going back to fix what didn’t work and improve on what did. So yes, we’re really looking forward to the second power week.”

The second power week kicks off on 13 June, with the Free State Sonoblomo taking on the Kingdom Stars.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg