Excitement overflows for Volleyball Cup Finals Day
After three weeks of intense action, the Botswana Volleyball Federation (BVF) bows out with an Independence bang at SSKB Courts this Saturday.
Although there is no prize money on offer, there is a wealth of pride to play for as Kutlwano and BDF VI battle it out to be crowned the best men’s team in Botswana, while the women’s finale pits Police against Mafolofolo.
Unconvincing in the Group Stages, where one win and two losses saw them squeak through as a ‘best’ third-placed team, Kutlwano pulled off a shocker in last week’s semis, rolling back the years to stun the cops, beating the tournament favorites, 3-1 in a match-up where few gave Dopp Popo’s troops a chance.
Having defeated UB-Yaros by the same scoreline in the quarter-finals, Big House go into the BDF clash bursting with belief as they look to rekindle the glory days of yesteryear.
The soldiers will be desperate to claim the trophy as they seek to avoid cup final heartache for the third time in a row, after losing out to Police VI in the ‘Return to Play’ and Liquid Open last year.
They will start the game as favorites, having won three of their four group games to top the table.
A straight-forward 3-0 success over Kalavango followed in the quarters, before the Army Boys shot down Spiking Stars 3-2 in a tense, drama-filled semi-final. More thrills and spills are predicted for the final.
Meanwhile, the ladies’ title-decider sees old rivalries renewed in a repeat of the Liquid Open final from December.
Back then, Police ran out 3-0 winners and few would bet against Ditau doing something similar again.
However, the cops are not unbeatable, as Kalavango proved earlier in the tournament when they downed Ditau.
Since then, Police have bounced back well, easing to whitewashes against first Sebokeng and then Kutlwano to book their place in yet another final. With the experienced hands of Lebani Ntelecha and Tshiamo Chakalisa seemingly back to their brilliant best, the in-form cops look a daunting prospect as they seek to continue their recent domestic dominance.
With revenge on their mind, Mafolofolo will not be overawed by Police’s prowess, especially as they powered to the final with successive 3-0 triumphs off their own, sending Mag-Stimela and Spiking Stars packing without losing a set.
Under the guidance of Coach Boitumelo Botsang, with long-serving national team stars: Taboka Tema, Tsholofelo Oganne, Kelebogile Mahupela and Chada Majaha in their ranks, Powerfolo have the players for the big-occasion – and they don’t come much bigger in the women’s game than a final against Police!
One way or the other, the BVF Cup is set for two fascinating finals!
