Police VI prepare for Africa
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday March 10, 2017 14:39
The team qualified for the Africa Club Championship after winning Zone VI title in Namibia.
As part of preparations for the continental competition, Police VI have organised training matches against Botswana All Stars and Namibia Police club at the Institute of Health Sciences (IHS) in Molepolole tomorrow.
One of the organisers and senior player, Tiyapo Madeluka said they came up with the idea because clubs always have a challenge of playing preparatory matches ahead of major competitions due to financial constraints. “We have been training without knowing if the trip would be a success or not.
We did not have any friendly match because we did not have money. The trip was approved late hence the decision to come up with tomorrow’s tournament. We got assistance from Talkpool Telecom,” he said.
Madeluka said the Africa Club Championship is always difficult for local clubs due to tough competition from their opponents. He said clubs from countries such as Egypt, Cameroon and Tunisia are a tough nut to crack.
He added that clubs from these countries such as Zamalek, Al Ahly and Sfaxien have won the championship many times before. Al Ahly have won the club championship 11 times followed by Sfaxien who won it on three occasions and Zamalek took it five times.
Madeluka said they are going to the competition for exposure and experience, especially the young Police VI players. He added that 28 clubs have confirmed their participation at the championship.
Talkpool Telecom managing director, Kirtesh Kumar said he has been involved with volleyball before, having been a coach for big sides in the league such as BDF VI, Mafolofolo, Prisons and Police.
He said as such he has always had interest in assisting local clubs.
Kumar said Botswana has good players and they are doing well at the national team.
“We realised that Police did not have a friendly match hence we came up with All Stars team. It comprises the best players in the country and they have represented the country in international competitions before. We expect them to give Police tough competition,” Kumar said.