Women's rugby team set for Harare tourney

MOGOMOTSI BUZWANI
Correspondent | Wednesday October 27, 2010 00:00

 

The national side will compete against teams from the host nation Zimbabwe, South Africa and Zambia in a one-day tournament that takes place this Saturday. The team leaves for the Zimbabwean capital on Friday.Team manager Lila Pavey said her side has prepared well for the competition. She said women's rugby has been on the ascendancy in the past year.

'The team has seen tremendous growth over the past year. The women have made great strides in improving their knowledge of the game and technical skills. We are very much looking forward to the competition in Zimbabwe, and are ready to go and represent Botswana,' she said.

Pavey said the tournament would help the team prepare for the next World Cup qualifiers to be played in 2011.  'These games will lend proper development and preparation for the 2011 World Cup qualifiers. What the team needs is exposure and this tournament will surely assist,' Pavey said.  Pavey said the squad has been training twice a week ahead of the tournament. Coach Shaun Lees said the preparations have gone well despite lack of facilities, which disrupted their fitness-training programme.

'The morale in camp is high and the girls are ready for action though lack of training facilities is a hindrance as we are not able to work on players' fitness,' said Lees.

The full squad: Keneilwe Modise, Tjeludo Monyai, Mpho Molatlhwe, Esnat Balozwi, Bakang Bosilong  (UB Rhinos), Keabetswe Molefi (Orapa Diggers), Girly Gaebolae (Mahalapye Rugby Club), Segametsi Bock (Jwaneng Rugby Club), Masego Aston, Naledi Chabe, Tinabo Chikani and Kamogelo Dibate (BDF Cheetahs)