Favourites advance in Capital Motors tournament

MOGOMOTSI BUZWANI
Correspondent | Tuesday August 10, 2010 00:00

As expected, defending champions, BDF VI, Spartans, Thebephatshwa, Kutlwano, Kalavango, Mafolofolo, Diphatsa and Police have made it to the quarterfinals. Serowe-based Tainan, who were drawn in Pool A failed to turn up in Francistown citing transport problems. The eight teams will contest the quarterfinals in Thebephatshwa on August 28 and 29.

The highlight of the weekend was an electrifying match between army side, BDF VI and Spartans from Selebi-Phikwe.  BDF VI won the first set 25-19 but Spartans rallied to clinch the second 25-20. The game went to the third and deciding set with BDF VI narrowly winning 15-11 to triumph 2-1. With wins over Spartans and Francistown side, Difofane, BDF VI topped Pool A.

Spartans won 2-0 against Difofane, which ensured they finish as runners-up. Kutlwano had an easy stroll to the quarterfinals in Pool B, winning all their three games, with Kalavango finishing second.

Mafolofolo finished top of Pool C after victories over Victory Seekers and Mag Stimela. Seekers made it to the last eight after a 2-0 win over Mag Stimela.

Another eye-catching clash was between the Diphatsa and Police. Although it was a closely contested affair, Diphatsa won the deciding set 21-19 to take the game 2-1.

BDF VI will now face Police while Spartans take on Diphatsa in the quarterfinals. Kutlwano start as favourites against Victory seekers while Kalavango are up against Mafolofolo in what should be an exciting encounter.

Botswana Volleyball Federation (BVF) vice president (technical), Odisitse George Keotsene told Mmegi Sport at the end of the group stage matches that the games took place without hitches. 'All the games went well. All the teams showed their intentions of qualifying for the next round of the competition,' he said