Federation set to splash the cash on tournaments
Following three extremely frustrating years of inactivity, it appears there is light at the end of the long tunnel for Botswana Volleyball Federation (BVF).
The fast-paced, high-flying sport has been down in the dumps recently, league-less since 2018 when the contract between Mascom and BVF came to an end.
Although dreams of a national league remain a fantasy for now, the Federation plans to host a number of tournaments as volleyball takes its first tiny steps towards a return to action.
According to sources close to the executive committee, BVF has set aside P500, 000 – almost its entire grant – to sponsor the tournaments.
This includes two indoor tournies, the first of which has been tentatively penciled in for December. Two beach volleyball competitions, which will account for P100, 000 from the kitty, are also in the pipeline.
Confirming the development, BVF Vice President-Administration, Ndibo Lebala explained it was vital to get back out on the courts and playing again.
“It is true that we are working on something of that nature. It’s very difficult to seek sponsorships and partners who can support the league as they always ask us what product we are selling to them. So we decided to get back to playing, such that we have something tangible when we seek potential sponsors and for marketing purposes,” Lebala told Voice Sport.
Although he admitted the move could backfire as it would leave the BVF completely broke, Lebala maintained it was a necessary gamble with potentially huge rewards.
“It will hit back on us but it is a risky investment which we are hoping to get great benefits from. There are times where we forgo some things, so that’s the case for this financial year. Some programmes are going to suffer or be pushed back to next financial year.”
The federation will have to get moving if they are to host a contest before the end of the year. Teams will need plenty of notice so that they can get their squads together, set-up training schedules and fine-tune their preparations.
Should a December tournament go ahead, the winning team would represent the country at the Zone VI Championships, slated for Mozambique in January – funds permitting of course!
