02 Dec 2018

Mag Stimela Volleyball club’s Gaoleseletse Gasekgonwe has proven to be a force around the net garnering most top awards during the Mascom Volleyball League awards held in Gaborone on November 28.

In a glittering ceremony sponsored by Mascom Wireless and Botswana VolleyBall Federation, Gasekgonwe bagged the league’s most valuable female player, best attacker and best server of the championships.

The young and promising player was crowned for her dominance on the net, displaying top form throughout the league games which commenced in May and ended in October.

In the male category, Alec Angleton of Police VI was decorated as the most valuable player of the season.

Both the volleyball sportsmen and sportswomen who exhibited prowess throughout the Mascom Volleyball League championships in various positions were awarded individual awards worth P1 000 each.

The best libero was awarded to Gontle Goirwang of Mafolofolo, best setter was scooped by Kelebogile Mahupela of Mafolofolo while best blocker went to Tshiamo Chakalisa of Kutlwano.

In the male individual category, best server was scooped by Phenyo Thebeng of Police VI, best libero award went to Mefferey Chindumbo of Spiking Stars, best setter went to Kesaobaka Lenkopane of BDF VI and best attacker of the season was Phemelo Lekoko of Kalavango while best blocker was scooped by Moemedi Siphambe of Police VI.

The best coach of the season was awarded Shimaka Ngwanaotsile in the male category while Maboka Molefi of Mag Stimela emerged the best female coach.

On the winners of the championships, the female category was Mag Stimela who emerged tops winning  P100 000 cheque, a trophy and 16 gold medals. Kutlwano women scooped position two and walked away with 16 silver medals and a cheque of P70 000, while Mafolofolo got position three bagging 16 bronze medals and P60 000.

In the male category, Police VI scooped position one taking home the same awards as the female category, BDF VI came second while Kalavango managed to get position three.

Meanwhile, Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development, Thapelo Olopeng appreciated Mascom Wireless for recognising players for their sterling performance in the 2018 volleyball league.

Olopeng, who was speaking during the awards ceremony, said recognition of athlete’s performance and hard work was critical for players sustained performance.

“Events such as these provide motivation for athletes to take up sports as a professional career and to support their families. The young athletes need motivation to dream big,” he said.

For his part, Mascom chief executive officer, José Couceiro praised Mag Stimela ladies team for winning the league for the first time since the company started supporting the league in 2009. 

He said it was a welcome development as it showed growth of volleyball. 

Couceiro said Mascom was honoured to be part of Botswana’s sport development story.

The league was sponsored by Mascom to the tune of one ​P1 million in April this year. ENDS