We lost valuable time - volleyball coaches
Pini Bothoko | Thursday December 10, 2015 13:36
Coaches said players had to be given more time to study and prepare for their final examinations hence training only resumed after schools closed, just a few days before the competition resumed.
“I had to give some of my players, who were writing their final Junior Certificate (JC) examinations, enough time to prepare for their examinations something that affected preparations,” said Southern region girls’ coach, Opelo Popo.
Popo said the three-day preparations were not enough as players are still studying each other’s movements as well as understanding their teammates’ play. Southern region lost their first match against Kweneng 3-0 on Monday.
Popo said they are forced to hold early morning training sessions in order to push up his team’s performance. “My team is still struggling to service the ball hence they opt to volley most of the times. I am currently focusing on teaching them play movement, how to service the ball and build their confidence amongst each other,” said Popo.
South East coach, Peo Masendu echoed Popo’s sentiments and said they did not have sufficient time. Masendu said it is difficult to prepare a team as it is made up of players from different schools in the region. South East lost their first match 3-2 to Central and Masendu said this was a result of lack of team work. He said the players are adjusting to each other’s play.
“We won our second game against Southern because players are now adjusting to each other’s play and there is team work amongst them as compared to the first match. I have confidence in them and hopeful to win the other remaining games if they can continue with their good play,” said Masendu.
He said the team was selected in August, but players had to be given time to prepare for their examinations. North East coach, Molefho Rapugo said he faced similar challenges as his counterparts after he saw his charges go down 3-1 to Sowa Town. Rapugo said his team did not have enough time to train and prepare due to school commitments and this was reflected by their poor performance.
“Following this, the players started to learn to play together as a team and to adjust to each other’s play while the competition is ongoing. This is affecting their performance as a team,” Rapugo said.