Volleyball Exports Return For Holidays

MOSAH MOKGANEDI
Correspondent | Monday June 14, 2010 00:00

 

They started playing for USMB last December under a one-year contract. They told Sport Monitor over the weekend that they intend to use the knowledge they gained in Algeria to improve the level of volleyball in Botswana. They said their stay in Algeria has not only improved their skills but their lives in general.

However, they said when they got to Algeria, they had a problem of communication because they do not speak French and Arabic.  However, they have since mastered the problem by learning to communicate in the two languages.

They said that though they play for rival clubs in Botswana, they have become united because of their stint in Algeria. 'We have actually realised that sport is supposed to bring us together and not to divide us,' said Sejewe.  She added that she has learnt a lot from Nkele who she said is now like an elder sister to her.  Sejewe said putting their home rivalry behind them has helped them to play well in Algeria. She explained that Algeria is more advanced in volleyball infrastructure though the standard of the game is not different from that in Botswana.  But Nkele disagrees. She says the standard of volleyball is high in Algeria and Algerians are more experienced than Batswana players. The duo said being in Algeria has helped them improve their game as their coach played them in all the positions.

'I am a more mature person and I think I will be a better player now,' Nkele said.  The two said being in Algeria has sold the name of Botswana. They said it was through their huge contribution that their team moved from Division B to Division A.  'People always ask about us because they are impressed with our play and they got to know that we are Batswana,' Nkele said. 

The two encourage those who are interested to play professional volleyball to work hard to achieve their ambition. 'It is possible. All you need to do is to work hard,' Nkele said.