Good start for Botswana in volleyball qualifiers
Mosah Mokganedi | Thursday October 10, 2013 22:14
It was clear from the onset that the Mozambicans will be in for a tough afternoon as the hosts eased to a 25-17 win in the first set. Botswana sealed victory by claiming the second and third set 25-16 and 25-18 respectively. The well built, towering Botswana players were too good for the lanky Mozambicans. The visitors clearly did not have answers for Botswana led by captain Shadrack Kapeko who unleashed spike after spike in a well-attended match.
Agisanyang 'Oscar' Kurwana and Happy Ribbin were also a marvel to watch. However, tables almost turned when Botswana started donating points in the third set as fatigue seemed to creep in.
Manuel Torres Torres' boys did not do anything unique but took advantage of a relenting Botswana. Mozambique started the game on a high note, but lost momentum in the closely contested third set. The game was preceded by a brief opening ceremony where Botswana National Sports Council (BNSC) chairperson, Solly Reikeletseng told attendants that hosting such competitions was a direct response to the national agenda on sport.
'Competitions of this nature help us harness talent and foster community development,' he said. He said they expected the competition to show the volleyball talent in Botswana and other nations.
Meanwhile, in the first game Lesotho lost 3-0 to Zimbabwe. The competition ends on Saturday with the top two teams proceeding to the continental qualifiers. Poland will host the 24-nation World Championships next year.