UNCERTAINTY OVER V-BALL LEAGUE RETURN
THERE’S uncertainty over the return of the local volleyball league which abruptly stopped over two years ago following Mascom Wireless’ decision to not renew their sponsorship deal.
In an interview with Voice Sport this week, Kutlwano Volleyball Club Public Relations Officer (PRO), Tjiyapo Maduleka, said the two-year league hiatus has crippled the sport. Maduleka said they have lost faith in Botswana Volleyball Federation (BVF) leadership.
“We don’t expect anything more from the BVF as it is evident that they are failing,” he said.
He said they’ve, however, taken it upon themselves to ensure that players remain engaged and available to opportunities outside he country.
“We recently oversaw the departure of Tshiamo Chakalisa to Rwanda, and before the outbreak of COVID-19, we were working on exporting four more players” he said.
His frustrations were shared by Mag Stimela Volleyball Club Captain, Gabaresepe Mashaole, 35, who said she was worried that at her age she’ll retire before the league’s long awaited return.
“Age is not on my side and for someone who’s played volleyball for most of their life, the two-year gap has really affected me,” she said.
“It is such a pity to see young players who had a bright future in volleyball having nowhere to nurture their skills,” she said, adding that her hope of seeing the league is fast diminishing.
“I’m losing hope of ever returning to the volleyball courts again,” she said.
Also sharing the same sentiments was Kalavango Volleyball Club veteran player, Monica Alfred, 35, who reminded Voice Sport that Botswana used to be a volleyball powerhouse.
“We have since become a shadow of our former selves,” she said.
Responding to Voice Sport questions, BVF Vice President Technical, George Keotsene, hardly inspired confidence, stating that they are working around the clock to try and source out sponsors.
“We are uncertain as to when the league will come back. We still have to liase with our affiliates and work out a solution,” he said.
Keotsene said they have engaged Incepta Communications in their efforts to attract sponsors, but so far the relationship has not borne any fruit.