Kenya, Senegal, Algeria And Cameroon Through To Semifinal Of Women’s African Nations Volleyball Championship

2015 Women’s African Nations Championship- Day 4

Hosts and defending champions Kenya along with Algeria, Cameroon and Dark horses Senegal booked their tickets to the semifinal of the 2015 Women’s African Club Championship after they all achieved victories in day 4 at the end of the group stage held at Kasarani Indoor Arena in Nairobi, Kenya on Monday.

The 8 time African Champions Kenya continued their victories with clean sheet as they cruised past Botswana 3-0 (25-19, 25-12, 25-18) to improve their win- loss ratio in Pool A to 3-0 and continued as the only team who didn’t drop a set in the preliminary round.

The Algerian team

Kenya will be joined by Algeria from the same pool to semis after the latter clinched their second win over Mauritius 3-0 (25-15, 25-15, 26-24) to improve to 2-1. Botswana came third with 1-2 record and Mauritius finished at the bottom of the table with 0-3.

Senegal continued their thrilling come back for the third match in a row as they came as usual from two sets behind to beat the emerging Morocco team 3-2 (23-25, 22-25, 25-9, 25-18, 15-9) to lead Pool B with 3-0 and 6 points. Cameroon came back to their optimum performance on time to beat Tunisia 3-2 (15-25, 25-18, 28-26, 24-26, 15-13) and clinch the semifinal slot. Tunisia came third in Pool B with 1-2 record ahead of Morocco who finished fourth.

Now Algeria will meet pool B leaders Senegal in one of the semifinals on Wednesday with hosts and defending champions Kenya playing Cameroon who finished second in pool B.

In the Play off 5 to 8 positions Botswana faces Morocco, while Tunisia line up against Mauritius,

Mauritius during the national Anthem

Pool A
Kenya v Botswana 3-0 (25-19, 25-12, 25-18)
Algeria v Mauritius 3-0 (25-15, 25-15, 26-24)

Kenya used their talented players to beat Botswana 3-0 (25-19, 25-12, 25-18). Kenyan coach David Lung’aho is expecting a tough duel against a tricky Cameroonian side and he will be spending Tuesday’s rest day to try and analyze west Africans game as he prepares errase 2014 memory of local fans after Kenya lost a world championship qualifiers to Tunisia. Some fans are yet to forgive Lung’aho for letting the ticket slid off his hands but he may win back their loyalty if he can take Kenya to Japan’s world Cup.

Cameroon have excellent attacks and blocks but Lung’aho will try to take advantage of their slow game to win point. “We just need to compose ourselves and receive well; I know most of their players are not fast and we would want to capitalize on that” said Lung’aho.

Algeria played with most of their list to capture the second win over Botswana 3-0 (25-19, 25-12, 25-18). The Algerian coach Francois Salvagni used most of the substitutes in the third set but he was obligated to return back to his main stars to save the set and keep the straight sets win.

Tunisian team during the national anthem

Pool B
Senegal v Morocco 3-2 (23-25, 22-25, 25-9, 25-18, 15-9)
Cameroon v Tunisia 3-2 (15-25, 25-18, 28-26, 24-26, 15-13)

Senegal who were seeded third in group ‘B, considered pool of ‘death’ at the start of championship topped the group having won all their three matches by identical 3-2 sets. In all the matches, Senegal pulled a late comeback in the third sets to turn around their games which has earned them the title ‘Queens of comeback’

“We don’t know why we always comeback late in the game because during team talks before any match we always tell ourselves to take the lead but that doesn’t happen, maybe we’ll need to be in front in our semifinal match against Kenya,” Senegal’s dependable player Fatou Diouck observed.

Cameroon team after the victory against Tunisia

Asked about her hopes of playing Kenya in the finals, Fatou added: “I prefer to play Kenya in the final than Algeria. I love playing here; I love the people and they love our team too but I would really want to have a different feeling playing Kenya in front of their home fans.”

Algeria though are favorites ahead of the championship but Senegal’s head coach Amadou Sene plan to organise their game by playing fast balls.

Cameroon came from a set down to book a semi final berth in a dramatic 3-2 (25-15, 18-25, 28-26, 24-26, 15-13) win over Tunisia in their final group B match. Cameroon had only trained together for one week before the championship and coach Akono Jean Rene was satisfied by her players performances in the match.

“I am not expecting much in our next match because we never trained as a team for long,” noted Rene.

The competition’s referees with the referee Delegate Mohamed Lazroug

Semifinal Match Schedule on Wednesday 17 June
Play off 5 to 8
10:00 : Botswana v Morocco
12:00: Tunisia v Mauritius

Semifinal 1 to 4
14:00 : Senegal v Algeria
16:00 : Kenya v Cameroon

Senegal Upset Tunisia As Kenya Continue Victories At Women’s African Volleyball Champs

2015 Women’s African Nations Championship- Day 3

Nairobi, Kenya, June 14, 2015- Senegal surprised the Kenyan crowd with a second in a row come back over the giants Tunisia this time 3-2 (14-25, 17-25, 25-18, 25-20, 15-12) in Day 3 of the 2015 Women’s African Nations Championship held at Kasarani Indoor Arena in Nairobi, Kenya on Sunday.

Now Dark horses Senegal led Pool B with a win- loss ratio of 2-0 and 4 points like Cameroon who took over Morocco 3-0 (25-17, 25-18, 25-20).

Queens of comeback, Senegal came from two sets down to beat Tunisia 3-2 (14-25, 17-25, 25-18, 25-20, 15-13) in an entertaining group B match while Kenya took their group A point tally to six with an easy 3-0 (25-20, 25-22, 25-19) win over arch rivals Algeria.

Botswana fought aggressively to overcome the struggling Mauritian team 3-1 (25-22, 23-25, 25-23, 25-15) to come second of Pool A ahead of Algeria with the set ratio.

Senegal Women National Volleyball team.

Pool A
Kenya v Algeria 3-0 (25-20, 25-22, 25-29)

Kenya coach David Lung’aho did not make any changes to his starting lineup from the one that beat Mauritius in their opening match last Friday, preferring Janet Wanja ahead of Jane Wacu in the setter’s place with Evelyn Makuto and Mercy Moim on the left while Lydia Maiyo started ahead of Esther Wangeci on the right.

Captain Praxcides Agala provided blocks from the center with Elizabeth Wanyama as a receiver and their well oiled efforts won the opening set 25-20 against Algeria who tried to catch up with their opponent late into the set to no avail.

Mercy Moim who plays for Liga Poloski in the Finnish league was on her best form, sending hard balls to the opposite court which helped a well oiled ‘MALKIA STRIKERS cage Algeria who denied them an Olympic slot in the 2012 qualifiers.

Algeria took the first lead of the second set 10-8 but an attack by Moim and a block by Jane Wacu helped Kenya narrow the gap to within one point before Ruth Jepng’etich sent back an over received ball to Algeria’scourt to tie the scores 14-14. Kenya regained the lead at the second technical Timeout (TTO) 16-15 before wrapping up the set with a 25-22. The third set was equally easy for the hosts who won 25-19 to book an early semi final place with a match against Botswana on Monday.

The contol Committee

Botswana v Mauritius 3-1 (25-22, 23-25, 25-23, 25-15)

Botswana recovered from their 3-1 loss to Algeria in the opening match to beat Mauritius 3-1 (25-22, 23-25, 25-23, 25-15) in their second match.

Botswana who lost Daisy Golekanya Saturday to an ankle injury won the opening set 25-22 but Mauritius came back into the game in the second set having trailed west African 6-8 at the first technical time out but the Islanders took over the lead after the second technical time out to garner a slim win of 25-23.

Mauritius weaned out in the third and fourth set even with a much better receptions and services compared to their opponents who relied heavily on individual brilliance from left attacker Tracy Chaba to score points.

Chaba will however need to to improve her back court coverage and services in their next match against Kenya to fulfill her dream of steering her side to the semis.

“We want to play better and possibly meet Kenya in the final,” Chaba who plays for Kutlwano in Botswana said after their lose to Algeria in their opening match.

Botswana has been boosted by the inclusion of three players Molefha Karobo, ‘who had social problem in 2014), Gasekgonwe Gaolesetse and Chaba who was just recovering from an injury having missed the world championship qualifiers staged in Nairobi 2013.

Samuel Isaac who has scaled the leadership ladder at the helm of Botswana having joined in 2007 as a trainer before being promoted to the assistant coach position in 2010 praised his players for the hard fought win.

“That was a good match; Mauritius are good in defence but I like the character of my players. They fought very hard to win this match,” said Isaac who was confirmed as Botswana head coach in 2014.

Isaac who has tremendously transformed the team from a long-slow to a fast flowing short ball type of play added: “I will work on the psychological aspect of my players ahead of our match against Kenya which is a very tough opponent.

Jane Wacu of Kenya sets

Pool B
Senegal v Tunisia 3-2 (14-25, 17-25, 25-18, 25-20, 15-12)

Senegal pulled a late comeback in the third set to beat Tunisia 3-2 (14-25, 17-25, 25-18, 25-20, 15-13) in group B to keep alive their chances of progressing to semis. This was Senegal’s second win having pulled another comeback in their 3-2 win over Cameroon in their first match Saturday.

“When we left Senegal our main aim was to be in the podium,” Senegalese coach Amadou Sene who is looking forward to a Kenya-Senegal final said after the match. Sene however heaped praise on his outside hitter turned receiver, Dacosta Binetou who arrived in Nairobi from USA a day before the games serves off.

“It was a bit hard for me moving from a hitter to a reciever but I’ve come to like it,” Dacosta, an Accounts student who turned 20 last month noted.

“I have full trust in her. She has good catch and that helped us a lot in the last three sets,” Sene who once coach Dicosta at club Sococim said of the player whose extra ordinary performance in the third and fourth sets helped Senegal overturn a two-nil lead to win the match 3-2.

Cameroon v Morocco 3-0 (25-17, 25-18, 25-20)

In another match, Cameroon bounced back with a win over Morocco in anothet tightly contested group ‘B’ duel. Cameroon won their first match against Morocco 3-0 (25-17, 25-18, 25-20) having lost the opener 2-3 to Senegal.

This was Morocco’s second lose which came barely 15 hours after they went down to Tunisia in their opening match Saturday

Kenya team celebrating

Match Schedule on Monday 15 June

Tunisia vs Cameroon (10am),
Morocco vs Senegal (12pm)
Algeria vs Mauritius (2pm)
Kenya vs Botswana (4pm)

Tunisia stun Morocco as Algeria win over Botswana at Women’s African Nations

2015 Women’s African Nations Championship- Day 2

Algeria warmed up for their much awaited clash against host Kenya on Sunday with a 3-1 (25-17, 17-25, 25-20,25-15) victory against Botswana on day two of the women’s Africa Cup of Nations Championship at Kasarani Indoor Arena in Nairobi, Kenya on Saturday.

Algeria who had a month long training in Italy as part of their preparation to the championship, to qualify one African team to the world Cup in Japan started the match on a high tempo winning the opening set 25-17 in a packed Gymnasium.

Botswana who took part in the 2015 Rwanda Genocide Memorial tournament last week in Kigali on their way to Kenya re-grouped in the subsequent set which they led from the first whistle to the last only to level the score one-all with a 25-17 to throw the game wide open.

The third set was a cracker with both team exchanging leads but ‘Mafolofolo’ were dented a blow when center blocker Daisy Golekanye picked an ankle injury with the southerners up on their north African colleagues heels (17-18) but Algeria took advantage of a weaker defence department to win the set 25-20.

Tracy Chaba who plays for Kutlwano back in Botswana was no match for Algeria in the second set where she provided excellent services and attacks which gave the opponents hard time in the reception but her effort did very little to propell her side to victory when they lost the last set 25-15.

“Daisy is one of the senior players with excellent blocks and because Algeria are very good in attacks, her blocks kept them at bay. The injury was a a big blow to us. When she left the court, the team went down, “noted Chaba who once played club volleyball in Algeria with Marshall Bilatex.

Italian Francoise Salvagni who took charge of Algeria after a successful one month stint with the side following a recommendation by FIVB immediately turned his attention to the upcoming match against Kenya Sunday evening.

“I know Kenya very well and the fact that they will be playing before their fans will even make this match the best of the tournament. Tomorrow’s match (Sunday) will be a small war and we are ready because we prepared for a bigger war,” said Salvagni.

Algeria captain Fatima Zahra interviewed by the BBC

Tunisia beat Morocco

Tunisia came from a set down to beat Morocco 3-1 (24-26, 25-17, 25-21, 25-13) in the second match at the 6,000 sitter Gymnasium. Samir Dcha who has been with the Moroccan side for barely a year drew lessons from their loss but was full of praise of his players who he described as ‘very young and inexperienced’

“I don’t know what to expect from Cameroon but I just want my players to forget about today’s loss and concentrate on the coming match,”

Morocco who has missed the last two editions of this Cup is building a team for future championships with an eye on the next All Africa Games.

“We have young squad who just played together for the first time about two months ago but I want to build a team for four or five years to come with main aim being qualifying for the next All Africa Games in 2019.” added Ocha.

Four matches will be played on Sunday with Cameroon taking on Morocco, Kenya versus Algeria while Botswana will clash with Mauritius as Senegal play Tunisia.

Elvince Joshhua from Kenya

Senegal, Kenya Win African Nations Volleyball Champs Openers

2015 Women’s African Nations Championship- Day 1

Senegal came from two sets down to stun 2013 Silver medalists, Cameroon 3-2 (20-25, 25-27,25-16,25-20,15-12) in an entertaining five set thriller on day one of the 2015 Women’s African Nations Championship that served off Friday in Nairobi, Kenya.

Senegal who came onto the match as minnows surprised Cameroon, seeded top in group B when they stopped Akono Jean Rene charges at the second set with Cameroon enjoying an early (25-20,27-25) lead in the first two sets.

Senegalese Captain Diouck Fatou and her opposite, Sow Binetou came back into the third set after a 10 minute break to steer Senegal to a 25-16 victory with nice executions aided by defence from Dacosta Binetou and Biaye Bineta to take the game 2-1.

Fatou who won Silver with Norkhornnont in the Thailand’s league praised her team mates for the dramatic win in a post match interview.

“We took time to adapt in the first two sets because we came late for the warm up and the referee didn’t give us enough time to warm,” said Fatou who has also played in France and Finland.

Senegal Women National Volleyball team.

Defending champions and hosts Kenya beat Mauritius by straight sets (25-12, 25-13, 25-17) in a one sided second match of the day played at the 6,000 sitter Kasarani Indoor Arena.

Kenya, otherwise known locally as ‘MALKIA STRIKERS’ who are using this championship as a build up to the June 26th world Grand Prix in Mexico- won the match (25-12, 25-13, 25-17).

Kenyan coach, David Lung’aho made changes to his starting list, pulling out assistant captain, Janet Wanja for Jane Wacu with Esther Wangeci coming in for Lydia Maiyo on the right attack position but the gamble almost cost the team the third set when they allowed Mauritius to take the first lead, immediately after the first technical time out which the host were leading (8-7). Mauritius maunted scathing attacks on Kenya who surrendered the lead for the first time (9-8), with the two teams going head-to-head 10-10,11-11, 13-13, 14-14. But with local fans rallying fully behind them, defending champions, Kenya who are searching for a record ninth title opened a two point gap 17-15 before winning the match 25-17.

“We laxed after the second set but the most important thing is to win the opening match. Maybe next time we will not sit on the bench at the (10 minute) break, it almost cost us a set, ” Kenyan coach, Lung’aho observed after the match.

Mauritius Captain, Nathalie Letendrie who has played for the national team for the last 13 years said. “That was nice match but we respect the other team. This is the first time we are playing in an international match; we came here to have experience.” said the Captain who plays for Azur Sporting Club back at home.

Jane Wacu of Kenya sets

Coach Lindlay Wilson who has been with the Mauritius side for only six months observed: “That was a very difficult game because we were playing against Africa champions. Going forward, I just want to win two more games and progress as the tournament goes on.”

Tunisia will open their title campaign against Morocco Saturday with Botswana clashing with Senegal. Kenya will play her second match on Sunday against Algeria, starting 4pm and Lung’aho plans to play a fast match against the side who denied them 2012 Olympic slot.

The match will proceed a clash between Tunisia against Senegal (2pm) and Botswana versus Mauritius which will open the day from 12 noon.

By Elvince Joshua from Kenya

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Kenya Drawn Against Algeria‏ In Pool A At Women’s African Nations Volleyball Championship

Seven times Women’s African Nations champions Kenya have been drawn in Group A of the 2015 Championships that serves off on Friday 12 June at the Kasarani Gymnasium, Nairobi.

In a draw conducted on Thursday evening during a technical meeting at Kasarani, the hosts will battle it out with their North African rivals Algeria, Mauritius and Botswana in the group stages.

Tunisia who denied Kenya a chance to participate in the 2014 World Championship after beating them in a decisive match headlines Group B that has Cameroun, Morocco and Senegal.

Cameroun will battle with Senegal in Group B opening match on Friday at 4.pm local time before the defending champions Kenya entertain Mauritius in a Group A opener at 6.pm.

The winner of the ten-day championship will represent the continent at the 2015 FIVB Women’s World Cup to be hosted in Japan from August 22 to September 6 2015.

Cameroon players

Pools

Pool A: Kenya, Mauritius, Botswana, Algeria

Pool B: Cameroun, Tunisia, Morocco, Senegal

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Nigeria begins campaign At ITTF WJC In Egypt

From Monday June the 8th at the 6th October Sports Hall in Cairo, Nigeria will join 13 others countries including host – Egypt in competing for honours at the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) World Junior Circuit (WJC) tagged Egypt Junior and Cadet Open.

The tournament will serve off with the team event in the junior and cadet divisions and to emphasis the quality of Nigeria, the West African giant has been listed among the top seeded teams of the competition.

14 events in junior, cadet and mini cadet will be contested for by 138 players from Nigeria, Algeria, Botswana, India, Iraq, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Romania, Slovakia, Togo, Tunisia and host – Egypt.

National junior champion, Tosin Esther Oribamishe

Meanwhile, organisers of the championship hope to treat players to an exciting time.

According to President, Egypt Table Tennis Federation (ETTF), Alaa Meshref, a lot of things have been lined up for teams.

“The unique thing is that all African and Arab competitors of Egypt are coming this year. It will be an Afro-Arab festival for the youngsters in table tennis. This will provide these countries with a clear vision of where each one stands relative to their rivals. We will provide touristic half day and full day excursions through Sheraton Dreamland with GER special prices to any number of persons on any day,” he said.

Qualifiers For Volleyball Tournament At All Africa Games Confirmed

2015 All Africa Games

Twelve teams confirmed their tickets to the volleyball tournament in each gender at the 2015 All Africa Games “AAG” in Congo Brazzaville September 4 to 19, 2015 after the zonal qualifiers concluded in all the continental 7 zones.

In the Men’s side Algeria (Zone 1), Cape Verde, Gambia (Zone 2), Nigeria, Ghana (Zone 3), Cameroon, Hosts Congo Brazzaville (Zone 4), Rwanda, Egypt (Zone 5), Mozambique, Botswana (Zone 6), Seychelles (Zone 7) confirmed their tickets to the supreme Africa event.

Botswana

In the Women’s category Algeria (Zone 1), Senegal, Cape Verde (Zone 2), Nigeria, Ghana (Zone 3), Cameroon, Hosts Congo Brazzaville (Zone 4), Kenya, Egypt (Zone 5), Botswana, Mozambique (Zone 6), Seychelles (Zone 7).

All Africa Games will be hosted by Congo Brazzaville September 4 to 19, 2015 where the 12 teams of each category will be divided into 2 preliminary pools, each playing a round robin and the top 2 teams qualify to the semifinal. The winner of Pool A meets the second of Pool B and the winner of Pool B faces the second of Pool A in the semis where the winners qualify to the final and the losers play for the bronze medal.

Mozambique

All Africa Games qualifiers

Zones

Qualifiers
Men Women
Zone 1 Algeria Algeria

Zone 2 Cape Verde Gambia
Senegal Cape Verde

Zone 3 Nigeria
Ghana Nigeria
Ghana

Zone 4 Cameroon
Congo Brazzaville (Organizer) Cameroon
Congo Brazzaville (Organizer)

Zone 5 Rwanda
Egypt Kenya
Egypt

Zone 6 Mozambique
Botswana Botswana
Mozambique

Zone 7
Seychelles Seychelles

Rwanda celebrating

All Africa Games Zone 6 Volleyball Qualifiers- Day 3 Host Botswana And Mozambique Claim Zone 6 Tickets To AAG

Hosts Botswana and their neighbours Mozambique booked Zone 6 tickets to the 2015 All Africa Games after they finished both men and women qualification tournaments held at the legendary Ditshupo Hall in Botswana in the top 2 positions.

Both countries will be represented by both men and women teams at All Africa Games finals in Congo Brazzaville from 4-19 September, 2015.

Mozambique Men

In the men’s side Mozambique won the top position of the podium following their victory against Botswana in the final 3-0 (25-23, 25-23, 25-23). Mozambique finished the 4 nation tournament in the first position with 3-0 followed by Botswana 2-1. Zimbabwe beat Zambia 3-0 (25-18, 25-23, 25-11) to calim the third position with 1-2, where Zambia ended their campaign at the bottom of the table with 0-3.

In the women’s final Botswana revenged to overwhelm Mozambique (25-16, 25-17, 25-20) and get the first position with 3-0, followed by the losers 2-1, however both teams confirmed All Africa Games tickets. Zimbabwe followed the footsteps of their men’s counterparts to beat Zambia 3-1 (20-25, 25-19, 25-15, 25-13) to clinch the third position with 1-2 ahead of the losers who finished with 0-3 record.

Botswana Women team

Final Ranking
Men Tournament
1. Mozambique
2. Botswana
3. Zimbabwe
4. Zambia

Women Tournament
1. Botswana
2. Mozambique
3. Zimbabwe
4. Zambia

Men’s Individual Awards

Best Setter – Tjiyapo Madeluka (Botswana)

Best Server – Agisanang Kurwana (Botswana)

Best Blocker- Simione Belton (Mozambique)

Best Spiker – Choto Douglas Rufaro (Zimbabwe)

Libero – Mwandu Chindima (Zambia)

Most Valuable Player – Choto Douglas Rufaro (Zimbabwe)

Women’s Individual Awards

Best Setter – Kelebogile Mahupela (Botswana)

Best Server – Tracy Chaba (Botswana)

Best Blocker – Tsholofelo Retshabile (Botswana)

Best Spiker – Tracy Chaba (Botswana)

best Libero – Gabaresepe Mashaole (Botswana)

Most Valuable Player – Tracy Chaba (Botswana)

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Hosts Botswana And Mozambique Continue With Victories At Zone 6 All Africa Games Qualifier

Botswana and Mozambique Men and Women teams continued their winning rhythm at All Africa Games Zone 6 qualifiers held at the legendary Ditshupo Hall in Botswana on Wednesday to come closer to clinch the zonal tickets to All Africa Games finals in Congo Brazzaville from 4-19 September, 2015.

In the men’s side Mozambique overwhelmed Zambia 3-1 (25-18, 25-23, 23-25, 25-23) to improve their win- loss ratio to 2-0.

Botswana went also to clean sheet after they topped Zimbabwe 3-1 (26-28, 25-25, 25-23, 25-19) to improve to 2-0.

Botswana men team

In the women’s side Mozambique cruised past Zambia 3-0 (25-15, 25-13, 25-19) to improve their record to 2-0, while Botswana fought aggressively to beat Zimbabwe 3-1 (25-17, 23-25, 25-13, 25-14) as they also went to 2-0.

In the third and final day of the round robin competition on Thursday, Zimbabwe women take on their Zambian counterparts at 12noon, followed by the same countries’ men’s teams squaring up at 14:00. Botswana women will conclude their tournament against Mozambique for the top two positions at 16:00 while the same teams meet at 18:00 on the men’s side final.

Mozambique women team

The top 2 teams in each category confirm their qualification to All Africa Games.

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Hosts Botswana And Mozambique Off To A Flying Start At AAG Qualifier

Botswana and Mozambique Men and Women teams started victorious in All Africa Games Zone 6 qualifiers that started at the legendary Ditshupo Hall in Botswana on Tuesday.

In the first game of the opening day, Mozambican men beat Zimbabwe 3-1. The second game Mozambique women beat Zimbabwe 3-0 while Botswana women beat Zambia 3-0 as well. The final game of the night saw Botswana men dispose of Zambia in a thrilling match the hosts conquered 3-1.

Mozambique attack Zimbabwe

Four countries, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique are eyeing a place in the All Africa Games set for September in Congo Brazzaville later this year. The teams will continue playing in a round robin format until Thursday where the top two teams for both men and women will earn a ticket to represent Zone VI at the games in Congo.

The last time the hall hosted a volleyball competition was in 1996 when local teams gathered for the defunct Schweppes Volleyball Grand Prix that was sponsored for a long time by Kgalagadi Beverages. Hitherto, the hall had been regularly used for other several local tournaments among them the Barclays Cup, the Debswana Cup as well as the Blue Train Marathon that was sponsored by Botswana Railways.

Zimbabwe Women team

On Tuesday, the hall once again buzzed with nostalgic excitement for those who played in the 1990s, remembering the camaraderie that used to permeate the expanse of the facility at the time. After the official opening set for 5pm, hosts Botswana will take on Zambia at 18:00 in the women’s competition while the same countries will meet again at 20:00 for the men’s category.

On Wednesday, the games start at 12 noon with Mozambique women taking on Zambia. The next game at 14:00 will see Botswana women play Zimbabwe. At 16:00 Zambia men play Mozambique while the last match of the day at 18:00 features hosts Botswana and Zimbabwe men.

Mozambique Men

On Thursday, Zimbabwe women take on their Zambian counterparts at 12noon, followed by the same countries’ men’s teams squaring up at 14:00. Botswana women will conclude their tournament against Mozambique at 16:00 while the same teams meet at 18:00 on the men’s side.

The top 2 teams in each category will play at the All Africa Games. Malawi and Lesotho withdrew at the eleventh hour, forcing the schedule to be changed. South Africa, Angola, Namibia and Swaziland are other countries that are not participating.

Botswana men team

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African Visit Continues Commonwealth-Wide Consultation On Transformation 2022

Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) Chief Executive David Grevemberg today (25 April 2015) visited the IOC’s Sport for Hope Centre in Lusaka, Zambia to meet with 18 Commonwealth Games Associations (CGAs) from African nations as part of a Commonwealth-wide consultation with the CGF membership on Transformation 2022, the Commonwealth Sports Movement’s ambitious agenda for growth and innovation.

In the Zambian capital, co-hosted by Mrs Miriam Moyo, CGF Regional Vice President and NOCZ President and Mr Gideon Sam, CGF Vice President and SASCOC President, David Grevemberg praised the work of African members in their important contributions to Sport, Development and Peace and discussed the opportunities and ambitions of the CGF’s new seven-year strategic plan.

David Grevemberg, Chief Executive Glasgow 2014 Ltd at a media briefing on the Commonwealth Games in London, 7 April 2014.
photo credit: Foreign and Commonwealth Office
https://www.flickr.com/photos/foreignoffice/13691959664/in/photolist-nvTtUi-neoJNn-nvTsze-nvBWj1-nvBWkU-nvAvM6-nvTswD-ntQJry-nxEkS8-ntQK33-neoX8J-nvTtHB-nvTucH-mRUSA5-mRTgo2-mRUSws-mRTgAM-qpHnvZ-psXBSV-f1eX17-eZZJhz

Speaking from Lusaka, David Grevemberg said:

“Transformation 2022 aims to place athletes, and the transformational impact of their achievements and performances on citizens and communities, at the heart of the Federation’s vision. And there is no better place to have such powerful discussions than in the incredible sporting continent of Africa.

This is a defining moment for our African colleagues, as they unite to support the ambitions of Durban and South Africa in their bid to host an inclusive and inspiring Commonwealth Games in 2022. It is also a defining moment for the Commonwealth Sports Movement, as we plan ambitiously for the future and develop and deliver Transformation 2022 in partnership with our members.”

Welcoming the delegation, Zambia’s Honourable Minister of Youth and Sport, Hon Vincent Mwale MP, said:

“African Commonwealth Games Associations have a vital role to play in achieving the Commonwealth Games Federation’s Strategic plan for 2022. The CGF provides a unique arrangement bringing diverse nations together for a common cause-sport.

The Commonwealth Movement embraces unity and humanity, impacting citizens and communities across our region and this is critical to foster mutual collaboration and prosperity through sport.”

The delegation comprised members from Botswana, Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Swaziland, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania and Zambia.

The delegation also enjoyed a tour of the IOC’s Sport for Hope Centre and Olympic Youth Development Centre as part of the visit, which opened in 2010 to promote and facilitate access to sports for young athletes, local communities and support National Sport Federations.

CGF Regional Vice President for Africa, Miriam Moyo, who coordinated and hosted the meeting of African CGAs said:

“The Executive Board endorsed the new CGF vision and plans at our recent meeting in London. However, for Transformation 2022 to be the success we all want it to be, the on-going development and shared ambitions of the wider Commonwealth family are so important. We are therefore delighted that our members have had the opportunity to play an important part in the on-going consultations and discuss the plan’s opportunities and impacts ahead of our General Assembly in September.”

The regional meeting of African CGAs follows a successful meeting on 11 and 12 April of the European CGAs at Celtic Manor in Wales hosted by CGF Regional Vice President and Commonwealth Games Wales Chief Executive Chris Jenkins.

David Grevemberg visited Zambia en route to Durban, South Africa where he will participate in the Evaluation Commission for the 2022 Commonwealth Games bid, starting April 27, 2015.

Botswana’s National Volleyball League Gets US$155 000 Sponsorship

Botswana’s national volleyball league received a massive boost last Friday when mobile phone operator Mascom Wireless announced an extension of their league sponsorship to the tune of P1.5 million for the whole of 2015.

The announcement was made by the sponsor’s Chief Communications and PR Officer Tebogo LebotseSebego at the launch of what is called the Mascom Volleyball League.

Mascom has been sponsoring the volleyball league since 2010 and the 2013 and 2014 seasons were each sponsored at the same P1.5 million amount.

Kutlwano Volleyball team (Botswana)

The sponsorship of 2010 to 2012 was at P1million, later to be increased by 50percent. The league games began over the past weekend and will continue for the rest of the year. The following link provides more information on the volleyball league in Botswana, the country’s second most popular sport after football.

CAVB web site: http://www.cavb.org
Twitter: CAVB Tweets
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CAVBVolleyball
YouTube: CAVB Video
Instagram: CAVB_ volleyball