Keitumele spikes her way to stardom
Calistus Kolantsho | Saturday December 10, 2022 06:00
Her full talents were on display last week Saturday as she was instrumental in Police VI women’s team clinching the Liquid Open Championship title.
It was not an easy victory for Police VI as they had to fight from behind to pick the win.
Coach, Thatayaone ‘Shimaka’ Ngwanaotsile was forced to change his tactics and some of the fresh legs that he threw in were that of Keitumele. Her presence was immediately felt as she changed the complexion of the game.
The opposition felt her prowess upon her introduction. Police signed the 25-year-old from Dynamites at the beginning of the season. “I started playing volleyball when I was doing Standard Four at Sebego Primary School in 2007.
Well, it was an easy thing to do because I was the tallest girl in class. So there was this encouragement that volleyball was the best thing for me. I have been playing volleyball for 16 years,” the Kanye-born star said.
Keitumele told Mmegi Sport that she has not reached the peak of her career yet. She said her biggest achievement would be to be disciplined, fully focused on volleyball. Just like any player, there is always that opponent that brings shivers down the spine and for Keitumele it is Kutlwano. “The most important thing when I step into the court is passing.
It is the most important skill in volleyball. If you cannot pass the serve, then you would never put your team in a position to score a point. My ritual before a match is to listen to music, accompanied by a brisk walk and light jog,” she said.
She said her weakness as a player is time keeping. Keitumele said the key to success in volleyball is to stay active during off-season and in that way a player gets a chance to unleash their potential and learn to play in all positions.
When asked what sets volleyball apart from other sports, Keitumele said the game is unique as players rebound the ball. “If someone is starting out in volleyball, they should have discipline all the time. It does not matter if you are playing or not. That is a principle that should not be broken if one is to go far is this game.
Look, volleyball is a big sport out there, with so many possibilities of playing in other countries where they have strong leagues. So, people should not hold back thinking they cannot have a future in volleyball,” she said. Keitumele said her dream is to get a chance to play internationally.
Her favourite position is position two and she enjoys hitting her opponent from the right side of the court. The 1.78m towering attacker said she was excited after winning the weekend final against Mafolofolo.
Her coach, Ngwanaotsile said Keitumele is a player who listens to instructions. “She does not give up easily when she is assigned to do something. She has that fighting spirit and she always encourages her teammates to believe that everything is possible if you fight for it,” Ngwanaotsile said.
FACT FILE Full names: Neo Keitumele Date of birth: February 5, 1997 Place of birth: Kanye Sport: Volleyball Club: Police VI Position: Attacker Right hand or left handed: Right handed Height: 1.78m Profession: Currently studying Security Management at Elsimate Institute Favourite meal: Pap and beef Hobbies: Reading books, watching television and playing volleyball What do like to do after a match or practice: Work out and window shopping.