Dark days in volleyball as league uncertain
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday March 16, 2018 11:53
In a bid to arrest the slide, the federation has hired a consultant to assist in finding a sponsor.
BVF public relations officer, Kagiso Meswele told Mmegi Sport that there was a meeting to discuss sponsorship on Tuesday, although details were not immediately available.
“We are hopeful that the league would be played this year. To be on the safe side, I cannot say when it will start because it is in the hands of potential sponsors we are in talks with. Time is not on our side and it would be better if the league starts next month,” Meswele said. He said there have been promises made but a pledge does not mean the deal is done. The volleyball transfer window is open but with the uncertainty over the league, there has not been much movement.
“Normally there is action during the transfer window when clubs are preparing for the league or tournament. Right now there is nothing,” he said. Mmoloki Gaobone of Maun-based Yaros Volleyball Club is concerned about the absence of the league.
“We joined BVF last season, there was no league and even now there is no change. We assembled players and sponsors were waiting in the wings to come onboard,” he said. Gaobone said sponsors are now pulling out as they cannot commit without any action.
He said his side has young players who are itching for action. “Now some players have gone back to their home villages. We cannot keep them because there is nothing that they are doing. Back in their respective areas, they do not train and their fitness level has gone down,” he said.
He said some have been invited to be part of the national team that will compete at the Region V Youth Games in December. “Some of the players were seen playing in the constituency league. It is better because they are keeping fit,” Gaobone said.
Meanwhile, a new women’s team, Police VI have joined BVF. Meswele said the arrival of the side is a welcome development as it boosts the number of women’s teams. He said there has been concern about the number of women’s teams. The arrival of Police brings the number of women’s teams to nine. The other teams are; Mafolofolo, Kalavango, Kutlwano, Dynamites, MagStimela, Yaros, Phikwe and Spiking Stars.