The Head Coach of the junior national netball team, Kelebogile Mocuminyane, has hailed the inclusion of two junior national team players in the senior national team provisional squad as a move in the right direction.
The two junior players, Ntebogang Motlakaloso and Tumisang Bagidi, were named as part of the provisional team with the possibility of making it into the squad that will play at the upcoming World Championships in Singapore.
Speaking in an interview, Mocuminyane said the two players are now very seasoned players who are ready to be tried at the highest level.
“I am not advocating for young players to be thrown at the deep end. I am of the view that they should go through all proper development structures before they can be roped into the senior team. These two have already been there and they are ready,” the junior national netball team mentor said.
She says both players have much needed exposure having been to the Under 21 World Netball championships hence their readiness to take a step further.
She further says that while Motlakaloso’s involvement with the junior national team setup came to a close at the COSANA games in May earlier this year, Bagidi still has a lot to offer and her progress augurs well for the junior team as well as the future senior team.
“Should she (Bagidi) make it into the final team that goes for the World Championships, it will inspire other junior players. It will have a massive impact on our young players and her influence will grow even further,” Mocuminyane said of the 18-year-old goalshooter who is also the captain of the Under 19 and Under 21 national teams.
Mocuminyane added that the consideration of the two youngsters in the senior national team setup also goes to show that netball development in the country is heading in the right direction.
Meanwhile, the Botswana national netball provisional team left for Malawi on Friday to take part in friendly games in preparation for the World Championships.
The friendly games are expected to give the coach one last chance to decide on her final 12 players to take part at the Singapore World Championships.
The team is expected back in the country today (Sunday).
The provisional team comprises of Motlakaloso, Kagisano Mawela, Flora Keeditse, Thulaganyo Segopolo and Rosinah Ramoja in defence. The mid court players are Ogone Gabaratane, Gagotheko Tshelametsi, Tshegofatso Tlhabuswe, Kelebogile Mangole and Beauty Letsholo while Portia Rasekhumba, Violet Moabi, Bagidi, Tebogo Radipotsane and Botlhale Moeng are the team shooters.
