18 Dec 2019

The Botswana Volleyball Federation (BVF) has secured the services of Brazilian coach, Augusto Jose Sabbattini for a period of three months to assist the senior ladies’ team’s qualification process for the Olympiad.

According to a press release from BVF, the team has commenced its training camp in an effort to get ready for the qualifiers slated for Cameroon from January 2 to 10.

Eight teams, namely Algeria, Botswana, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria are expected to participate.

The statement notes that Botswana was able to engage Sabbattini’s services through the support of the Federation of International Volleyball (FIVB) projects platform, coaching support for technical and tactical development for national teams.

Sabbattini brings with him a pool of experience spanning 28 years at high level.

Amongst others, he was head coach and instructor of Morocco’s national senior men’s team in 2017/2018 as well as NORCECA (North, Central America and Caribbean Zone Volleyball Association).

He has also enjoyed being head coach for the Myanmar and Nigeria volleyball federations as well as the Kuwait volleyball team, senior men, Vietnam and Pakistan senior men’s team.

In an interview with BOPA, the new mentor shared his intentions for the Botswana ladies team.

“I’m excited about being able to share my passion for volleyball with Botswana.

I want to focus on steering the ship to succeed through imparting what I know to what we love. The road to Tokyo 2020 is one of the extreme dedication and determination, a recipe I believe we have in abundance.

I was pleasantly greeted by a world of potential that lies in the 18 women I work with,” he said. For his part, BVF vice president technical, Odisitse Keotsene explained the reasoning behind this latest acquisition, saying they wanted to harness the opportunity and put their best foot forward on their journey to qualify.

The trip to Yaoundé will be Botswana ladies’ third attempt at qualifying for the Olympics through volleyball. ENDS