06 May 2015

The women volleyball team head coach, Isaac Samuel, has praised the team’s tactical discipline during the CAVB Zone VI All Africa Games qualifiers.

Botswana opened the tournament with a 3-0 victory against Zambia at Ditshupo Hall on Monday (May 3). 


The likes of Gaoleseletse Gasekgonwe, Tracy Chaba, Tebogo Sejewe, and Tsholofelo Retshabile combined well with setter Kelebogile Mahupela in a dominant attacking performance. Botswana took the first set 25-12 as the youthful Zambian team struggled with reception of the ball.

It was not a vintage performance by the hosts as they gave away many free points through sloppy servicing. The hosts reduced their errors in the second set and brushed aside their opponents 25-3. But complacency crept back into their game in the third set, though they won it 25-15.

After their easy victory, Samuel said he was content with how the team imposed itself tactically.“I was happy with the performance of the team. We played very well and stuck to the game plan and our tactics,” Samuel said.

He explained that their intention was to serve hard and put a lot of pressure on their opponents. Captain Tebogo Sejewe said their intention was to avoid undermining their opponents and take every game seriously.

After the opening day victory, Botswana then defeated Zimbabwe 3-0 on Tuesday (May 5) afternoon. And victory against Mozambique tomorrow (May 7) at 4pm could Botswana clinching top spot and qualifying for the All Africa Games in Congo in September.


Meanwhile, the men’s team opened the tournament with an explosive 3-1 victory over Zambia on Tuesday night. Botswana came from behind to win the first set 25-20, but Zambia leveled with a 25-17 second set win.

The hosts, inspired by the introduction of Agisanang Kurwana won the next two sets 25-18 and 25-22 to seal victory. They played against Zimbabwe in their second match on Wednesday evening, and will complete their fixtures against Mozambique at 6pm (May 7).

Other results: Mozambique 3-0 Zimbabwe (ladies)
, Mozambique 3-0 Zambia, while in men Mozambique beat Zimbabwe 3-1

Ends