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SPRINGBOKS OFFENSE GOES MISSING, BUT DEFENSE DOES IT' S JOB! RSA 70 MOROCCO 54

A Moroccan defense dead set on containing Fabian Poll did it's job holding him to 14 points. But Manzini and Makeba picked up the slack scoring 23 and 17 respectively as the Springboks survived a sub par 37% shooting effort by holding the Moroccans to a paltry 26% as the Baby Boks moved one step closer to securing a semi final berth with a workman like 70-54 victory in front of a packed house at Roger Water.

Considering the locale Coach Lambini afterwards was full of Pink Floyd references for the baffled assembled press corps. " well tonight it was us versus them. Though at this time I am biding my time. Of course comparing the progress of these two programs is Apples and Oranges. However with the stagnant nature of our offense over the last several weeks I am saying wish you were here to former standouts from the squad two seasons back. Alas Solomons and Mthebe are not walking thru that door.Of course it would help if Beau Bleek makes a return, the team doctor on his club team needs to take up thy stethoscope and walk. however if we are to be able to truly compete for the AfroBasket title we must kick this into interstellar overdrive. One of these days I hope we can be fearless enough to take that bold step. In regards to what it will take to get to the level where we can raise that championship trophy I have to ask The gold is in the? When asked WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU ON? I mean Wot's...uh..the deal? , coach replied, it just One of my turns. Naturally the show must go on, and we will have to run like hell. Though if will be interesting to see if these are the happiest days of our lives or if this is the final cut. At this point Coch asked the flabbergasted 5th estate if there were any further questions he concluded the press conference by stating "I've got a bike, you can ride it if you like, it's got a bell and basket and things that make it look good" as coach then proceeded to pedal off stage to the surreal bewilderment of all.

Last edited by Coach Lambini at 1/21/2020 11:21:50 AM

Nice win! Keep it up! ;)

A interesting reset as we start to head into the stretch drive. At this point it is about continuing to build momentum and to hopefully see more core improvement to facilitate the ability to have more flexibility. We got to be a le to do more than just throw the ball down to Pöll.

Now for this week's progress report....

Fabian Pöll: speaking of our big gun. The firm is holding steady, his training is now guard based it appears but no movement has occured. Where that takes him is the question.

Sean Dunker: a JS pop, not a great DMI but strong GS, going to start him this week but no telling on his overall effectiveness.

Jabulani Manzini: no pops but a good reset, had a fine outing against Morocco. Hopefully there are a few pops coming in the next week of two.

Jabulani Makeba: OD and HA and a stout reset. Hopefully JS pumps a spot or two soon, we need some outside shooting and he is the best candidate overall to provide it.

Beau Bleek: back from injury with a JS pop and a good reset. Will provide solid support off the bench.

Mxali Matomelaa: no pops, manager states he's seeking another OD pop, of course the stout nature in that discipline ensures his spot in the starting lineup.

Ad Hayden: a JS and JR pop is nice, overall still needs work but will give good minutes when he is in.

Khaya Nkosi: HA pop, interesting dispersal of skills, solid reset. The trick is finding a spot where his skills are best accentuated.

Ngwazi Khomane: JS pop, good reset, another guy I have to see what can be done to make him more effective in the minutes he plays.

Siphiwe Mamoepa: stamina pop, solid reset. The JR and OD are at elastic and should drive upwards. Tried to start him last week but he struggled, should show more productivity coming off the bench.

Ayize Mini: no pops and gs/dmi took a hit due to inactivity. Let's see what is going on with his manager.

Steve Johnson: had a FT pop, whatever that is worth! Is getting minutes and Bob is trying to work him into the training plan to get him some movement.

Sipho Molefi: A DR pop, but it really is too little too late .

Uuka Jaga: finally getting minutes but no pops, we need to see movement for the future but he really is not part of the plan for this season .

Kopano Mase: second verse same as the first

This week Tunisia...last time we struggled thanks to some self inflicted funkiness from the lineups I used. Hopefully I will better game plan this time around. But the goal as always is just win baby.

SPRINGBOKS SUBDUE TUNISIA 70-53

In another grind it out affair Fabian Poll put in 16 points to go 8 rebounds 4 assist and 2 blocks to pace the baby boks past the host 70-53. Jabulani Makeba also produced a double double with 10 points and 10 boards as all 10 players who played did scratch the score sheet.

CL afterwards addressed his thoughts on the proceedings. " Ain't nothing this season been very pretty. But wins are wins. I have been in touch with the various managers as we collectively try and see what can be done to provide more oomph on the offensive end. But as the old adage goes offense sells tickets defense wins championships and I have been very happy with the efforts on that side of the ball. Next week we get a chance to avenge the earlier slip up to Senegal then come the Egyptians, so these are important weeks in the process"


The contest was nip and tuck for the better part of three periods but a surge at the end of the 3rd extending into the fourth saw the Springboks gain full control of the contest. After leading 33-31 at intermission the boks won the second half 37-22. Neither team shot well as the Boks connected on just 38% from the field while the host had struggles all night long shooting just 24% for the evening.

Always pleasant to read.

Another interesting update to review....

Fabian Pöll: still in solid shape though the DMI is not quite as robust and again no pops. Stands 34 points from setting the all time record for points scored. The last couple of weeks have seen him kinda a little off his game, hopefully he will regain his firm this week.


Sean Dunker: a IS pop, ok game shape but a strange DMI reading. Has had some issues in both u21 and club games with fouls, it could be something impacting these numbers. Consistency could be his big issue.

Jabulani Manzini: no pops and he got overplayed last week but still out best option for what he plays.



Jabulani Makeba: no pops but a very solid reset should contribute well.


Beau Bleek: HA and DR pops will help. Will need productivity from his minutes .


Mxali Matomelaa: another OD pop but still iffy on offense.


Khaya Nkosi: DR pop, solid reset. Should provide good support

Ad Hayden: no pops but a great reset


Ngwazi Khomane: HA and DR pops, defense is iffy but should provide scoring off the bench.


Siphiwe Mamoepa: ok reset, no pops. Debating on what to do with him this week.


Ayize Mini: No pops, poor dmi reset, may limit his use this week


And the rest of the roster is as it is, though Mase did see a ID pop and may get dressed as a reward.


This week the rematch with Senegal. Last time saw a difficult to stomach loss, and another tough battle is anticipated. Hopefully we have just a tiny bit more luck. Next week is Egypt and Nigeria concludes the phase.





Last edited by Coach Lambini at 2/2/2020 5:14:58 PM

SLUMPING SPRINGBOKS DROP 90-83 DECISION TO SENEGAL

On a evening where the limitations of the roster were on full display a 34-23 fourth period surge by Senegal doomed the baby boks to a 90-83 defeat miring them into a third place finish for the second group phase. Fabian Poll produced 27 points to move within single digits of securing the all time RSA u21 scoring title but aside from a solid performance from Sean Dunker (12 points on 6-9 shooting) the rest of the offense struggled to find solid footing. Even more troubling was a 46-30 deficit in rebounding including a 16-6 margin on the offensive glass. "you just can't give up that much on the glass and expect to survive" a exasperated CL stated afterwards. "tonight was a glaring example of our shortcomings. I need to take a hard look and go back into the lab to determine if there are changes that need to be made in lineups or tactics to give us a better chance of success. Yet all things considered this affects us not one iota. We are going to face these guys again, and it is not about how often you win but when. I still remain confident there is a way to the final. But what this really does is make the final two games before the semis a moot point. So don't be surprised if you see some shakeup and experimentation"

tough luck! what’s your take on the defensive tactics you used against them

The rebounding killed us yesterday. -16 is hard to overcome and 30 for a entire game in BB is downright pitiful. Also collectively we foul a bit too much. But I am still confident in the tactical soundness of the 3-2 and feel overall it is our best alignment. But that is what these last two games can serve as, a means to experiment with something different. Any ideas, I'm all ears.

i don’t know i feel sometimes man to man is safer. but you obviously know the players weaknesses so if you feel that’s the way to go then alright. i was thinking man to man or 2-3 if their inside guys are way better than ours

my issue with m2m is if there is a weak link it gets exposed. the 2-3 is a little dicey if the opponent can hit the threes. the one advantage to 3-2 is you tend to force more turnovers from denying the ball down low but you lose some rebounding,which does not cost too much if your bigs are good on the boards. our problem is our bigs are not particularly good on the boards. And it translates on both ends, denies up opportunity and gives the opposition opportunity.