Free-spending BDF VI suffers opening day defeat
Calistus Kolantsho | Tuesday May 10, 2016 10:42
BDF VI invested heavily in new recruits, but that clearly did not intimidate their weekend opponents.
Mafolofolo beat BDF VI 3-1 in the women’s match while Police VI humbled the men’s side with the same scoreline in ties played at Ditshupo Hall over the weekend.
BDF VI coach, Selebatso Mabuto told Mmegi Sport yesterday that all is not lost. He said the players are still getting used to each other.
“It was the first league matches and there is no need to press panic buttons yet. We expect results to start coming by the third match. We did not have enough pre-season matches. Our players are yet to gel,” said Mabuto.
He said they decided against playing Pastor Kebabonye, who replaced Moemedi Siphambe in centre blocking, because he has not trained with the team. Mabuto said the women’s centre blocking is weak and even when they attack, they get punished. He said they are still building the team.
Meanwhile, Botswana Volleyball Federation (BVF) president, Daniel Molaodi said he was impressed with the way the league has started. He said the turn up was great and it was a sign that the community has been waiting for volleyball games.
“We have always wanted to have tournaments and league games played in Gaborone, but the main challenge is lack of facilities. As you are aware, we took a decision a few years ago to have the games played indoors. We do not have indoor facilities here. Ditshupo Hall is available, but the problem is that it is expensive. We have to part with P15,000 per day,” he said.
Molaodi said they intend to have other games played at the facility towards the end of the league. He said they would try to negotiate for a lower fee.
He said indoor games have led to the success of the national team at international games because they are used to the setup. Molaodi said volleyball is an indoor sport despite teams training outside. The upcoming weekend volleyball action will be held in Serowe and Lobatse.