24 Jul 2025

BDF Cats Netball Club and Jwaneng Galaxy Netball Club are champions of the men’s and women’s categories respectively of the revived Find The Ball Netball Tournament held at Mogoditshane Senior Secondary School over the holidays.

In an emotional return after a 13-year hiatus, the tournament paid tribute to the late netball coach and sporting giant Anthony 'Find The Ball' Masogo whose contributions to the development of the sport in Botswana remain widely revered. Cats, who hosted the tournament, clinched the men’s title and walked away with gold medals, a championship trophy, and P6,000 in prize money after a spirited campaign. Police Netball Club finished as runners-up and earned P4,000, while Notwane Netball Club settled for third place and took home P3,000.

In the women’s division, Jwaneng Netball Club lifted the trophy following a stellar performance throughout the three-day competition. They claimed gold medals, the championship trophy, and a grand prize of P10,000. Zimbabwean side Chapungu Queens put up a strong challenge and finished second, receiving P7,000. BDF Cats claimed third position with a P5,000 reward, while Maun Heroes, Thamaga Jaspers, and Police Netball Club each received P2,000 consolation prizes.

Individual brilliance was also recognised. Gloria Adione of Jwaneng Netball Club was named Female Player of the Tournament, bagging P1,000. Her teammates Ntebogang Motlakaleso and Natasha Maribe took home P800 each for Best Defender and Best Mid Court, respectively. Chapungu Queens’ Lissa Tanyanyiwa scooped Best Shooter.

In the men’s category, BDF Cats’ John Lucas made a clean sweep, winning Male Player of the Tournament and Best Defender awards, pocketing P1,400. Police Netball Club claimed Best Mid Court while Munyaradzi Chidzomba, also from BDF Cats, was awarded Best Shooter.

Speaking on behalf of the Masogo family, Moenyana Masogo, the eldest son of the late coach, described the return of the tournament as deeply moving. He recounted that his father passed away on May 11, 2003, and just days before his burial, a son was born and named after him, Anthony Masogo.

He explained that BDF Cats later found it fitting to initiate a tournament in his father’s honour, recognising his immense contributions to netball and sports development, particularly during his time as coach at BDF Cats and as a lecturer at Tlokweng College of Education.

“The tournament had faced challenges that caused its long pause. But when BDF Cats called to say they wanted to bring it back, it was very emotional for me. I thought to myself, people still remember my dad.”

Masogo said the gesture went beyond family pride.  “This is something the nation will appreciate. It speaks to the value of recognising those who have contributed positively to the growth of sport. This tournament is a branch of legacy from a tree of development.”

Speaking during the awards ceremony, LOC chairperson Mmoloki Nteda said the tournament was not only about competition, but also about honour, growth, and community revival.

“This event reflects what sport should be, bringing people together, celebrating talent, and remembering those who paved the way. Mr Masogo gave so much to the sport, and this tournament is our way of ensuring his name and impact live on,” he said.

Timothy Mothibi, a BDF sporting legend encouraged the teams to carry forward the values Masogo stood for and ensured netball continued to flourish in this country. The tournament drew teams from across Botswana and beyond, including Zimbabwe. ENDS