Another volleyball player headed for Rwanda

Despite the local volleyball scene having plummeted to a shadow of its former self, some positives can still be drawn as local players continue to attract interest from foreign leagues. Though COVID- 19 is still raging throughout the world and interrupting sports activities some nations are making an effort to hold competitions. This week, Kutlwano Volleyball Club player, Merapelo Tshimologo secured herself a deal to play professionally in Rwanda for Integrated Polytechnic Regional College of HUYE for a period of two years.

Integrated Polytechnic Regional College of HUYE plays in the Rwanda Super League with the likes of Kigali FC and University of Tourism Technology and Business Studies Volleyball Club where the likes of Thapelo Kamberuka, Gaoleseletse Gasekgonwe and Tshiamo Chakalisa are currently signed up. If successful, Tshimologo will become the fifth player at professional level to join the likes of Chakalisa, Gasekgonwe, Kamberuka and Gobe Sikuku who signed with Sahel Sporting of Kuwait in 2019. Tshimologo joined Kutlwano in 2015 as a youngster and has since made her breakthrough in the national team, having represented Botswana at Africa Nations Cup, Africa games, Olympic Qualifiers and Under 21 Africa Cup Beach Volleyball qualifiers just to mention a few. According to Kutlwano spokesperson, Tjiyapo Madeluka, the player was spotted by the Rwandan club while on national duty during the 2020 Olympic Qualifiers in Cameroon. However, the player will not instantly leave for Rwanda but will join the team in August when the new season commences. “The technical team and the executive committee assessed the player’s fitness. They reached a conclusion with the player that she has to prepare herself and join the club next season. It is not only about the player but marketing the country and other young stars. The technical team is working on her fitness and we believe that soon she will be in a good shape,” said Madeluka. As the league action was last played in 2018 October in Botswana, players have been idling since there is nothing to do or play for.

The COVID- 19 pandemic has made things even worse as clubs dispersed players and ceased trainings. Quizzed if the Rwandan Club has allowed the player to join them later next season, Madeluka said. “We are continuing with negotiations, it’s not good to send someone who is not in good shape. It can also destroy the player and she might have injuries due to pushing hard to fit in. We have a good relationship with Rwanda teams and we do not want to disappoint them,” he said.