21 May 2024

Following the conclusion of the league games over the weekend, anticipation is building as all roads lead to Orapa for the LUCARA Netball League finals to determine the league champions. 

The finals, scheduled to take place from May 30 to June 2, will feature top eight men and women netball teams from the Southern and Northern netball zones. 

On the women’s side, the Southern zone will be represented by Police, BDF Cats, Jwaneng and Notwane while the Northern zone will be represented by TASC, Maun Heroes, TAFIC and NICO United. 

The league champions on both the women and men sides will pocket P25 000, second place will receive P15 000, third place will get P13 000 while the teams that will finish fourth will each receive P9 000. 

On the men’s side, the Northern zone will be represented by TAFIC, Maun Heroes, NICO United and Thunderbolts, while the Southern zone will be represented by Police, BDF Cats, Vipers and Prisons. 

A press release from the Botswana Netball Association (BONA) says the LUCARA Netball League has been a cornerstone of the local sports community, providing a platform for athletes to shine and for fans to engage with the sport they love. 

“This year’s league has been particularly special, thanks in large part to the generous sponsorship from Lucara Botswana. 

Their unwavering support has ensured the league’s success, providing high-quality uniforms, equipment, and a professional atmosphere that has elevated the entire competition,” says the press release. 

The release further says the LUCARA Netball League season has been an exhilarating experience as competition was fierce, with teams demonstrating remarkable skill, strategy, and sportsmanship since the first whistle to the final siren. 

Every match was a testament to the hard work and dedication each player invested in their game. 

While the league progressed smoothly, two teams did not honour some of their fixtures due to challenges. 

Boteti Giants faced financial constraints, hindering their ability to transport the team to play their games against TASC, Maun Heroes, TAFIC, and NICO United. Additionally, Morupule Wonderers could not honour their fixture against Maun Heroes due to numerous injuries sustained by players, leaving only four players fit to play. 

The four affected by the non-appearance of the teams were awarded two points each and 25 goals for each of the aborted matches. ENDS