NEW RIVALRY IGNITES VOLLEYBALL
FOR the longest time, Kutlwano and Mafolofolo have been the toast of local volleyball.
The fixture between these two successful giants has over the years given fans epic entertainment and fierce competition.
The fire of recent has, however, been down, mainly due to movement of high profile players away from Mafolofolo. The fixture is no longer top billing with the emergence of other equally capable sides. In fact, a new rivalry has developed between Kutlwano and Police VI ladies’ teams.
“Yes, there’s a rivalry. If you look at Police they are playing with five of our former players, but we are ready to go pound for pound with them,” admitted Kutlwano Coach, Dopp Popo.
Under the guidance of Shimaka Ngwanaotsile, Police, who were only formed in 2018, have rapidly become a force to be reckoned with, establishing themselves as one of Botswana’s top four teams.
Promising there was much more to come, Coach Ngwanaotsile told Voice Sport that despite their quick rise to the top, they’re still building a team.
“There are many new faces in my team. The team is united but it’s yet to reach the level where I want them. If I maintain this team, you will see a strong side,” promised the Police gaffer. At the start of this season, the Gaborone club raided Kutlwano of four players, being: Tshiamo Chakalisa, Moitlamo Nkobedi, Merapelo Tshimologo and Pearl Kaizer.
That coupled with the likes of Lebani Ntelecha, Patricia Moribame, Cynthia Nfana, just to mention a few, made Police strong contenders for any competition.
However, having tussled with Big House over the weekend for the 2022 BVF tournament honours, stakes were high with the two clubs giving a true reflection of Botswana Volleyball.
While Kutlwano defeated their rivals 3-0, there’s a general belief that with more Volleyball action expected in the coming months, Police VI may finally arrest the marauding Big House. First blood has been drawn; fans will be hoping this is just the start!
dured mixed fortunes in TT’S absence, blowing a 2-0 lead against TTM in the Nedbank Quarter Finals, eventually losing in extra time. The result cost Coach, Kaitano Tembo - the man who signed TT from Township Rollers, his job.
Supersport have tightened up since then, keeping three clean sheets in a row, including shutting out Kaizer Chiefs in a 1-0 win.
They take on Swallows this Friday with no word on whether TT will be fit or not.
TUMISANG OREBONYE (OLYMPIQUE DE KHOURIBGA, MOROCCO)
Having turned 26 at the end of March, ‘Teenage’ is a striker in his prime.
The muscly forward ended a threegame goal-scoring drought in fine style against Rapide Oued Zem last Monday, coming off the bench to grab the winner and secure a 2-1 victory for OCK. Brought on in the 66th minute, the Palapye powerhouse needed just eight minutes to make his mark.
The former Rollers favourite continued his match-winning heroics three days later, scoring the only goal in a 1-0 win over RSB Berkane, a result which lifted OCK up to 6th in the 16-team Pro Botola League.
In their first season in the elite Moroccan division, with eight games to go, Orebonye and his teammates have a great chance of securing a CAF Confederations spot. The table is incredibly tight, though, with just four points separating 12th from 3rd.
Now up to seven goals and four assists for the season, Orebonye will be looking to make it three-in-a-row when OCK take on FUS Rabat on Sunday.
KABELO SEAKANYENG
(OLYMPIQUE DE KHOURIBGA, MOROCCO) After missing the game against bottom club, Rapide Oued Zem, with injury, ‘Skhebo’ had recovered enough to take his place on the bench last time out.
Introduced just after the hour mark, the maestro waved his wand in midfield, helping inspire his team to a narrow victory against fellow CAF hopefuls, RSB Berkane, and extending their unbeaten run to six.
The 28-year-old Serowe sensation’s tally for the season stands at seven goals and eight assists, meaning the ex-lija Athletic man has been directly involved in 15 of OCK’S 28 goals this season!
MOTHUSI COOPER (MC OUJDA, MOROCCO) It’s fair to say ‘Mini Copper’ has not been zooming on the pitch since arriving in North Africa back in February.
The 24-year-old has started just one league game (on 22nd April) and it ended badly for both Cooper and his club. MC Oudja fell to a 3-2 defeat and the Tsabong native was hauled off in the 52nd minute after an uncharacteristically subdued performance.
In the following match, a 2-0 loss against RAJ Casablanca, although he travelled with the team, Cooper was omitted from the match day squad.
It means that since signing for MC Oujda, the dreadlocked baller has tasted just 53 minutes of first team action in three months.
With his new employers currently languishing in the relegation zone, the ex-extension Gunners starlet will be desperate to get on the pitch and show the fans what he can do!