16 Dec 2024

A spectacular display of the 2024 Confederation of Africa Volleyball (CAVB) Zone VI Senior Club Volleyball Championship has been described as an event not solely focused on playing and winning but rather more on bringing people together. 

Even though crippled by among others financial constraints, resulting in limited competitions including the league, lack of resources such as an indoor facility for hosting events of such magnitudes as the Zone VI competition, the Botswana Volleyball Federation (BVF) has been applauded for its resilience and determination to grow volleybal

In his closing remarks on Saturday, Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC) president, Botsang Tshenyego, said the tournament was not only exhilarating but also a celebration of resilience, teamwork and unity that defined the Zone VI volleyball family. 

Tshenyego said the dedication of the clubs to getting the necessary support from their respective countries to be able to feature in the tournament spook volume about their commitment to advancing volleyball in the region.

He said their appearance had enriched the championship, therefore it was a celebration of shared experiences and bonds that had been forged on and off the court.

 Despite financial and logistical challenges, Tshenyego said CAVB had delivered a world-class tournament providing teams with a platform to compete and grow.

He urged them to strive for excellence by packaging the championship as a product that could attract regional sponsors and secure its sustainability. 

He said the support from sponsors had been instrumental in making the championship a reality. 

“You have not only contributed to the success of this tournament, but also to growth of volleyball in Zone VI,” he said. 

He was confident that the next host of Zone VI volleyball championship in 2025, South Africa, must build on the success of the 2024 tournament and create yet another unforgettable chapter in Zone VI volleyball history.

For her part, BVF president, Tsoseletso Magang said even though the primary focus of the championship was on winning and getting the bragging rights, the competition would go a long way in growing the sport of volleyball. 

Magang said the championship displayed incredible volleyball skills by 45 teams from nine Southern Africa countries. 

When the games started, Magang said the play courts were dominated by rivalry, but as the event progressed the tension eased as the teams from the different countries in the region were now bonding and becoming a family. 

“We must be proud of that. We celebrate players’ achievements and sportsmanship. You always give your all on the field of play to reach new heights and create 

Federation of International Volleyball Board (FIVB) president, Daniel Molaodi encouraged the clubs to integrate with the community by engaging in social responsibility projects contributing to the livelihoods not just of players but society in general. 

He said the players were from the community with different social standings, some with the ability to contribute towards improving other people’s livelihoods and others in need, therefore, looking up to someone to come to their rescue.  “Identify your areas of need and apply for project funding at the FIVB through your national federations and engage in empowerment programmes,” he said. 

Molaodi urged all the Zone VI clubs to take advantage of such funding whether it was for equipment, players, coaches and sport administrators development. “There is a new organ under the FIVB called Volleyball Foundation and that speaks more to the mass participation I referred to. For those who are engaged in projects, particularly focused on the disadvantaged, and marginalised groups, go into the website and see how you can get help from the Volleyball Foundation. Nothing stops us in the Zone to initiate projects that can be supported by the Volleyball Foundation. I am available to assist in identifying such projects,” he said.  

The championship, which started from December 5 to 15, was attended by 45 volleyball clubs Botswana, Angola, eSwatini, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Lesotho, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. ENDS