26 Apr 2022

Police VI and BDF VI male team coaches anticipate a tough duel when their teams clash in the final of the Botswana Volleyball Federation return to play tournament. 

The two giants reached the final after respectively beating opponents in the quarterfinals and semifinals matches played at Lobatse Sports Complex over the weekend, and would now clash on a date still to be announced to fight for the trophy. 

'Ditau' as Police is affectionately called, coasted to a straight sets 3-0 victory over Kalavango in the quarterfinals on Saturday. They were then made to sweat for a 3-1 victory in the semifinals on Sunday against Kutlwano, who had narrowly defeated Yaros 3-2 the previous day. 

Led by captain and blocker Happy Ribbin, Police took a tightly contested first set 25-22. However, Kutlwano under the guidance of former national team star Shadrack Kapeko fought back to level matters after winning the second set 25-23. 

The 2018 league and Zone 6 champions, however, took control of the encounter and sealed the next two sets 25-13 and 25-19 to wrap up the victory. Though they qualified for the finals, Police coach Peaceful Seleka pointed that he was not satisfied with team’s performance. Seleka said the team failed to execute a lot of acts they practiced during training. 

“We were failing to receive and serve well, that is why Kutlwano was enjoying their game. Our plan was to win 3-0, but unfortunately we donated a set because we were casual in terms of passing and our service was not good,” said the coach. 

He, however, said given the fact that it was the first competition post Covid-19 pandemic restrictions on sporting activities, there were signs that the players would improve gradually. 

“I can’t complain that much because players had been inactive for almost two years,” he said. 

Regarding the oncoming clash against BDF VI in the final, Seleka said it would not be an easy game. 

“The other teams get motivated when they play Police because we have been number one. We are defending our dominance and winning streak. I am confident that we are going to win, but it is not going to be an easy game,” said the coach. 

BDF VI on the other hand defeated Spiking Stars 3-1 in the quarterfinals on Saturday. On Sunday, the soldiers had to fight extremely hard before eventually beating Mag Stimela 3-2 in a thriller. Mag Stimela, who beat Mafolofolo 3-0 in the quarterfinals, threatened to cause an upset by controlling the first set and winning it 25-16. The army giants, however, stormed back by winning the next two sets 25-19 and 25-23 to lead 2-1. 

The Mahalapye team, however, produced a performance full of zeal and determination to win the fourth set 25-21 and took the match to a deciding set. 

They continued fighting in the deciding set, but the BDF VI big match temperament finally showed off and the army team clinched the set 15-11 to secure a hard fought victory. BDF VI coach Selebatso Mabutho celebrated hard after the thrilling victory even though his players had not yet reached the required fitness level. 

“They are coming up. I am confident that we are can win this tournament even though Police is a tough team with many players who are in the national team. The fact that we have reached the final shows that we really want to win this trophy,” he said. 

The final of the female category will see Police logging horns with Kutlwano. This is after Police defeated BDF VI 3-0 in the semifinals, while Kutlwano were 3-0 winners over Kalavango. 

In the ladies quarterfinals in Otse, Police beat Yaros 3-0, Kalavango beat Mafolofolo 3-0, BDF beat Mag Stimela 3-0 and Kutlwano beat Spiking Stars 3-0. ends