The Botswana Volleyball National team has received a boost ahead of its hectic engagement next year, with Mikasa Japan renewing its ties with the team.
The company, which is one of the world’s leading sport equipment and apparel providers, will be the team’s technical sponsor for another two years. Speaking to Telegraph Sport, Botswana Volleyball Federation (BVF) Technical Director, Mission Mereyotlhe, said the relationship between his federation and Mikasa Japan dates back to 2007 when the company gave them P150 000 worth of technical sponsorship.
This time around, Mikasa has given the team P200 000 worth of technical sponsorship for the next two years. As the technical sponsor, Mikasa will clothe both the men and ladies national teams.
Mereyotlhe says Mikasa has fulfilled what is expected of it as the sponsor and has already delivered all the necessary merchandise. The sponsorship includes two kit sets for both men and ladies, bags, track suits, knee caps, training balls, ball carts as well as casual wear for players.
With the All Africa Qualifiers starting in February next year and the 2012 Olympic qualifiers also on the horizon, the sponsorship comes at a good time for the team and is expected to be a morale booster to players ahead of the crucial games.
The BVF technical director expressed gratitude to Mikasa who he described as a reputable replica manufacturer.
“As you may be aware, there are no exclusive volleyball merchandise manufacturers in Southern Africa and this sponsorship is much appreciated,” he told Telegraph Sport.
He says while there are areas, like footwear, that will still have to be addressed as they are not covered by the sponsorship, they are happy with the assistance from Mikasa as it covered all key areas.
