As if that is not enough, the federation is struggling to attract sponsors. Despite the odds stacked against it, the BVF Golden Cup finals will be played at the IHS Molepolole tomorrow. BVF president, Tsoseletso Magang told MmegiSport that they were optimistic they would find a sponsor before the tournament ends.
“For the BVF to do it alone has been a serious challenge, especially since the drive has been focused on securing sponsors. We need to keep volleyball activities going so that sponsors can see that in the media,” she said. Magang said it is a challenge trying to convince potential sponsors to consider volleyball when it is nowhere to be appreciated. She stated that they get very little support from government. “P750,000 to stay in tier one with all that is expected of us is a bit of a stretch.
Some of the expenses that we have to incur to run tournaments like these are very high, for instance, venues,” Magang said. She said if they had their venues it would be helpful, urging the government to look into the issue if there is a commitment to develop the sport.
When asked about the prize money for the Golden Cup, Magang explained that there is a mobilisation fund only because they are taking from a very small pot. “I am grateful to our clubs for working with us to keep up the activities knowing that they are having to spend a lot to get players to games and keep them motivated to play for pride more than anything,” Magang said. In the finals, Kutlwano has set a date with Police VI in both the men's and women's games. On the men’s side, Kutlwano are out to redeem themselves after falling short against BDF VI in the last tournament. On the other side, a lot is at stake for Police who lost to Kutlwano in the quarterfinal and, in the process, failed to reach the final.
In the women’s challenge, Police are motivated because they won the previous tournament while Kutlwano only reached the semi-final. Kutlwano men’s vice-captain, Tjiyapo Madeluka said there is no pressure. He added they were building a team in the previous tournament hence the results. “Reaching the Golden Cup finals is an indication that we are making progress. We are using a young squad. I am the only experienced player after being requested to assist in the setting department,” he said.
Madeluka said they lost 3-1 to BDF in the last final due to the absence of centre blocker, Thabang Pamani. He said players are motivated especially after knocking out BDF during the semi-final. “Our game against Police will be won on tactics that coaches would apply, not us as players. Pound-for-pound we are at the same level,” he said. Police captain, Happy Ribbin said reaching the final means a lot to the side. He said they have a point to prove especially after missing out on the finals.
“We want to take the trophy back home. We are training hard to retain our top spot in the country and we are using this tournament to prepare for the Zone VI Club Championships to be held in early December,” he said. Ribbin said they are missing two players, Jack Sekao and George Chiswaniso who are on beach volleyball assignment.
Lowdown on the finalists
Kutlwano
Players to watch: Libion Machae, Tiro Otimile, Kaizer Kula, Pamani, and Craig Motsentwa. Strength: Setting department Celebration style: Cameroon zzzzbuuuu. The Cameroon national team uses the style after a good block.
Police
Players to watch: Middle blockers, Maatla Mogapi and Moemedi Siphambe. Strength: Blocking and good service Celebration style: Puuuuuu heeezuu
