PLAYERS ON THE MOVE
As clubs reinforce ahead of new volleyball season
FOLLOWING the commencement of the Botswana Volleyball Federation (BVF) tournament last weekend, almost 23 player transfers have been registered by the federation.
Volleyball was given a lifeline last week when the federation used P500,000 of its grant to stage a tournament to mark the return to play.
Though many players have shown intent to join various clubs, only 23 transfers have been confirmed by BVF thus far. The biggest beneficiaries are Police VI ladies, who have made some top notch signings. ‘Ditau’ has captured the signatures of Moitlamo Nkobedi, Merapelo Tshimologo, Tshiamo Chakalisa, Petunia Malibala and Pearl Kaizer from Kutlwano. Police have further acquired the services of Kebame Gawahiwa, Pako Luke and Game Rakgabo from Dynamites and Mafolofolo respectively.
In addition, Police management have given Shimaka Ngwanaotsile the role to lead the team for this season. The veteran coach has enjoyed much success with the men’s team therefore his switch to the ladies’ side is expected to turn the tables around for the newly-formed team. Ditau’s recruitment is a clear indication that the side is determined to snatch the silverware this season and beyond.
“We have new players and we are getting used to each other but our plan is to win any game on offer, stage by stage. We want to reach the finals. My move to the ladies’ side is the decision of the management. They asked me to move from the men’s team to the ladies’ due to their own reasons. I have accepted this change and it’s my first time to coach ladies but I don’t have any problems because I like challenges. So, I want to see if I can achieve something just like I did with the men’s team,” said Ngwanaotsile.
Police ladies have made a kill with one stone on the five players as they have in the past years contributed immensely to the success of Big House. With their experience, they will easily claim some prime spots in the starting line-up of Ngwanaotsile’s side. So, it remains to be seen if they will help the team to challenge for its first ever silverware since inception in 2018.
Kutlwano, on the other hand, is a weakened side following the departure of their high profile players. Instead, they have brought in young players to the team to complement the experience of Tracy Chaba and Caroline Rodger, who are the only visible senior players. Despite losing majority of its players, Kutlwano gaffer, Shadereck Kapeko, believes they have what it takes to fight for silverware.
“We might have lost players to our rivals but we are not going to sit back and say we are not going to win the tournament. Losing your child is not easy when you have worked so hard to groom them, we started with these players from an early age. They were fresh from school, now when you have to enjoy the fruits of your toil and somebody takes them, it’s not easy. But we have to reshape, rebuild and continue, we have a good development side, so we brought in young players to the team,” said Kapeko.
In other news, Kalavango have lost influential players, being Phemelo Lekoko, who has joined BDF VI while Kebabonye Phofedi is off to Mag-stimela. Bokao Nagafela has joined Yaros from Police VI while George Chiswaniso has left Yaros for Prisons VI.