BBA championships defy challenges
Botswana Basketball Association (BBA) president, Boineelo Hardy says she is pleased with the talent displayed by basketball teams that competed in the national championship finals over the weekend at the University of Botswana outdoor courts.
Police V women emerged victorious after beating Dolphins Albatross 2-0 while Dolphins men are now the national champions after conquering Maun Delta Spirits men 2-0.
BBA President Hardy said that the championships were successful in all aspects despite the challenges they faced during the preparations.
She said that one of the highlights of the games was having a big crowd coming from non-basketball spectators having a good time around the courts, cheering and supporting playing teams.
“We are very happy with the turnout of people and the talent displayed from the 12 to 15 of April and for the first time ever having a team from the north participating. This was a result of the establishment of the northern league versus the southern league, something that has not happened before,” Hardy said.
She said that having to secure the facility for the games was one of the big challenges they had. They also went through tough negotiations to get sponsorship to pay for the facilities, saying that they have been struggling to get a solidified long-term sponsor which is something they are working on.
“The Botswana KFC has come on board to sponsor the basketball 3X3 leagues for schools, we are just waiting for the government on school sports then the league will go ahead,” she added.
Meanwhile, the most valuable women player was Sesupo Balosi, an experienced player and co- captain from Police V club, who walked away with P1 000. She held it down on the floor as the leader by controlling the defense and scoring, collecting rebounds and getting the opposition on fouls, she was a marvel to watch.
Dolphins men shooting guard, Tanaka Ndyra pocketed P2 000 after being selected the most valuable player from the men’s side.
Winning coach of Police V ladies’ team, Tshepo Mixon said that his ladies played amazing basketball and that they executed most of what they trained and worked on for the games especially on the defensive end.
“The ladies have great leadership from the captains of the team and experienced players to motivate and help relieve the pressure of the game. This was a great basketball weekend for the team, they displayed great teamwork and the execution of what we worked on, starting the game with high and intense energy, focusing on nothing but a win,” Mixon said.
Coach of Dolphins men, Trynos Moyo said that their opponents had height to their advantage as compared to them but his team played very well.
They were tactically disciplined for most of the games. “Our strategy was to play our high tempo game and make adjustments if needed and it worked because we ended up winning all of our games,” Moyo noted.