Revamped volleyball league starts

MOSAH MOKGANEDI
Correspondent | Friday April 15, 2011 00:00

In the men's competition, Police play Spartans with BDF and Mafolofolo clashing in the last match of the day.

Botswana Volleyball Federation (BVF) development officer, Mission Mereyotlhe, said they learnt a lot of lessons from last year's league and expect a better organised competition this season. Unlike last year, the league will be played over two rounds this season. Clubs have in the past complained about playing a single round arguing it does not give players enough game time. Mereyotlhe said this time, they started the league in time and thus have the chance to play reverse fixtures. The first round is expected to end in June while the second round start in September and finish in November. Victory Seekers are the new women's side, which brings the clubs in the league to 12. Mereyotlhe would not reveal the prize money but said it has slightly improved from last year.

Mascom sponsors the league with P1 million. Kutlwano are the defending champions in the men and women leagues and their coaches said they are ready to retain the titles. Kutlwano women coach, Isaac Samuel, said all the players are in the right shape except for captain Lekedzani Bayi who is still nursing an injury she picked during the All-Africa Games (AAG) qualifiers. Bayi is expected to start training next month.

Kutlwano men captain, Shadrack Kapeko, said they know it is not going to be easy to defend the title. He stated that it will all be about hard work and that that is exactly what they want to do. He decried incoherent preparations as other team members reside outside Gaborone. 'But that should not be a disadvantage to us because we have been training wherever we are,' he explained.

BDF men coach, Selebatso Mabutho, is happy that the league will be played over two rounds. He said the change gives clubs equal opportunities as they play home and away. But he is concerned with his team's preparations for the new season. He said most players have not been training as they have other commitments. He said the team is struggling financially which means they cannot buy new players.

The team secured the services of Kutlwano setter, Topo Mokgopo, who offered his services without remuneration.

'Contrary to some reports, we have not bought any player,' Mabutho said. He believes that the arrival of Mokgopo will boost his side since the team did not have a setter. Influential player, Lee Tshipana, will not take part in the opening games as he recovers from an injury.