The women’s National Volleyball team which has been practicing on weekends went into camp last week in preparation to compete at the biannual Women’s African Nations Championship on October 7 to 14, 2017 at Cameroon’s capital Yaound├®.
The team earned their spot after participating in the World Zonal Championships Qualifiers in Mozambique earlier this year in June.
The competition will also act as a qualifier for the 2018 FIVB World Championships to be hosted in Japan as per a decision by the Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB) and the International Federation of Volleyball (FIVB).
The top two countries registered with FIVB for the 2018 World Championship, will qualify to represent the continent in the competition.
Volleyball Public Relations Officer (PRO) Kagiso Meswele said “21 women were selected for the national team. The squad is a continuance from the qualifiers first round in Mozambique based on the player’s willingness and ability. In addition, the team’s selection criteria is normally based on performance from previous competitions, qualifiers, local activities, future potential”
Botswana will be competing for Africa’s best and a shot at the 2018 world Championship with a team made up of Game Rakgabo, Gaone Lemphitlhetse,Karabo Molefha,Yarubi Mbwe,Tshiamo Chakalisa,Gabaresepe Mashaole,Chada Majaha,Tsholofelo Retshabile,Thapelo Kamberuka,Tebogo Sejewe,Priscilla Nthaga,Tracy Chaba,Kelebogile Mahupela,Caroline Rodgers,Jestinah Moyo,Kebabonye Phofedi,Gaoleseletswe Gasekgonwe,Merapelo Tshimologo,Thato Solomon,Neo Keitumetse and Godirwang Gontle. Gasekgonwe (Opposite), Keitumele (Setter) were roped in there after Moitlamo Kobedi Setter was dropped due to illness.
The team has been training on weekends since 4th August 2017, and went into camp last week, Monday 18th September 2017. Team Botswana is planning to make a stopover in Kenya for practice matches prior the championship The players will travel with the Head Coach Kabo Ntshinogang and his assistant Makgetla Gareana ,team Manager Nelly Lekgowe ,Doctor Bontsi Tshegofatso and the therapist Tshepo Molosiwa.
