Serwe to pass on the armband
| Friday June 6, 2008 00:00
Mmegi: When did you start playing volleyball and what attracted you to the sport?
Serwe: I started playing volleyball when I was at Letlhabile Community Junior School (CJSS) in Tonota in 1993 because I loved the sport. Initially, I had wanted to play basketball but because there were no facilities then I was left with no option but to settle for another sport.
Mmegi: How come you joined Mafolofolo then?
Serwe: When I was doing Form Three at Naledi Senior Secondary School in 1996, some guys from Mafolofolo used to come and help our school team. They spotted something in me during sessions and invited me to their team, as they believed that I could become a better player if properly coached. As they normally say, the rest is history.
Mmegi: What was the reception like when you joined Mafolofolo considering that you were a youngster at the time?
Serwe: Though I was young, the reception I got was fantastic. I was learning and excited about the whole thing. The players I found there never intimidated me.
Mmegi: Mafolofolo have dominated the local scene for a long time. What keeps you going?
Serwe: Mafolofolo players play volleyball with passion and are never followed to come for training sessions and games. We train hard no matter which team we are up against and the good thing is that we have high respect for our coaches. There is also a lot of teamwork and this is one thing, which has kept us going.
Mmegi: Some people argue that the dominance of Mafolofolo and Kutlwano over the years makes the game boring. What is your take on that?
Serwe: There is nothing like that (boring). Let the best teams win as long as they are capable. We have to work hard for our achievements and I plead with the supporters to give other teams time, they will definitely come up.
Mmegi: A day before a cup final against Kutlwano, how do you keep yourselves focused?
Serwe: At training before the final, we get into a game situation and we motivate one another not forgetting that it is possible to lose a game. But at times we spend sleepless nights because it is not always easy to play Kutlwano.
Mmegi: Which is the best ever cup final you have played in?
Serwe: It was in 2006 against Kutlwano during the Debswana Cup at Thebephatswa.
That day we won after a deciding set and the difference was two points. What made it more special was that I scored the last ball and it was a toss, which came from nowhere.
Mmegi: Which position do you enjoy most?
Serwe: I like to be an outside attacker because that is where I excel most. I also like the libero part which I have played at national team level.
Mmegi: Your side, Mafolofolo, always represents the country at the African Club Championships but never brings back silverware unlike in the Zone VI Championships.
What is the problem?
Serwe: In Zone VI, we play against teams which we are familiar with and that is why we always excel.
With the exception of South Africa, there is no other country that can beat us in the region. At the Africa championships, the game is of high standard and some of the players we come against there are professionals.
They have ample time to prepare for such events, hence they tend to outclass us. The other factor is that they have better facilities and at times play stronger opponents before they come to such events. For us, before we went to Egypt we never had any competitive games to prepare for the challenge ahead. This situation always puts us at a disadvantage.
Mmegi: After the Egyptian games, what have you learnt?
Serwe: We learnt a lot of things, which can work to our advantage locally. One thing is that those girls are aggressive and their morale when going into courts can really intimidate opponents. They make noise and celebrate every point they score. It was fantastic watching them play.
Mmegi: How can you describe coach Kabo Ntshinogang?
Serwe: He is a patient guy and gives us a chance to learn with hope that we will develop into players he wants us to be.
Mmegi: Do you recall your first-ever national team call-up?
Serwe: It was in 2003 when the entire Under-23 team was promoted to the national team. I was the captain of the junior team and continued at the higher level. We went to take part in the Zone VI All Africa qualifiers in Zimbabwe and I was chosen the best server.
Mmegi: Who is the best youngster you have ever played with both at club and international level?
Serwe: There are a lot of them but amongst them my team-mate Dipolelo Nkele stands out. She has learnt a lot of things, which put her above the rest. Dipolelo can block, serve, attack and receive. These are the most important elements in the game of volleyball. At the national team, I had a chance to play with Tebogo Sejewe (of Kutlwano) who can develop into a future star if she remains level-headed and works hard.
Mmegi: You are a teacher and how do you manage your job and volleyball?
Serwe: The good thing is that most of the time volleyball trips come during the school holidays and I have time for students. They (students) never suffer at all.
Mmegi: As a volleyball star are you passing your knowledge to the youngsters at your school? Are your colleagues supportive?
Serwe: Yes, I am coaching the volleyball teams (boys and girls) and I have assistants who I am working with. My colleagues are supportive and like volleyball. Even the school head never objects if I have to go and represent the country internationally.
Mmegi: What needs to be done to improve the standard of volleyball in Botswana?
Serwe: We need a league, which will be running consistently, and more tournaments. It would also be a good thing to get more exposure especially when preparing for international tournaments.
Mmegi: You have hinted that you will no longer be the team captain. Does that mean you will soon be quitting the game?
Serwe: It is not that I intend to leave, it is simply that when you grow older you tend to have some other responsibilities which need your time. This means that I would not be fully available like before, hence the decision to pass the armband to another player. I will continue playing for the team.
Mmegi: So who do you think can follow in your footsteps?
Serwe: All those girls can lead the team and it is up to the management to decide who is suitable.