Under-23 depart for Africa Nations Championship
Calistus Kolantsho | Thursday October 20, 2016 14:21
Botswana will play Kenya, Egypt, Rwanda and Senegal for the two places at next year’s World Volleyball Championships. The hosts have not been confirmed. During the team’s send off ceremony at the National Stadium yesterday, Botswana Volleyball Federation (BVF) president, Daniel Molaodi said it was important for the federation to focus on youth teams. He said the Under-23 is a transition to the senior team.
“We should start focusing on this team and give them exposure at international tournaments. We are hopeful that the team would finish in a good position at the competition. We are aware that you are going into this competition as underdogs, but in sport, upsets are always expected,” he said.
Kenya and Egypt start as the favourites.
Molaodi urged the team to go out and play with open minds and believe in themselves. He said the players are going to be pitted against their age mates that they faced during the 2014 Gaborone Africa Youth Games.
He said despite that, none of the opponents is a walk over. He reminded the players that Batswana are expecting a lot from them and they would be compared to the senior team, which has done wonders in international competitions.
Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) director-technical, Bobby Gaseitsiwe said players should grab the opportunity of being in the team with both hands. He said coaches have done their part and it was time for players to deliver.
“Your hard work has made you to be in the team and it was not easy. You have earned your stripes. Go (out) there and give your best,” Gaseitsiwe said.
He said if they do well, some would be selected into the senior team that would play at the All Africa Games and Olympic qualifiers next year.
Team captain, Caroline Rodger promised that they are going to Kenya to give their best and display what they have been taught.
The team: Isaac Thenjelani (coach), Dopp Popo (assistant coach), Tshepho Molosiwa (assistant coach). Rodger (Kutlwano), Chakalisa Tshiamo (Kutlwano), Banyana Mhotsha (Kutlwano), Koketso Seile (Dynamites), Yarubi Mbwe (Mafolofolo), Moitlamo Nkobedi (Dynamites), Kitsiso Dintwa (Kalavango), Merapelo Tshimologo (Kutlwano), Thato Solomon (Dynamites), Jestinah Moyo (Dynamites), Wabongwa Bathoen (Phikwe), Kebabonye Phofedi (Kalavango) and Gontle Godirwang (Mafolofolo).