The Dolphins Basketball Club etched their name into the history books this past weekend, sweeping both the men’s and women’s National Top 2 Finals to close out what Botswana Basketball Association (BBA) President Mothusi Thipe called “the most competitive and memorable” championship in league history.
In the men’s division, the Dolphins proved unstoppable, outclassing Police in a 2–0 sweep. They opened the series with a dominant 67–50 victory before sealing the championship with a 70–54 win in Game 2. Kendrick Delahoussaye, wearing jersey 22, was the star of the tournament. His outstanding performances earned him the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award and a spot in the All-Star lineup, joined by teammates Botsile Ramabu and Dom Thomas.
On the women’s side, the finals stretched into a nail-biting Game 3. After Police leveled the series with a 61–50 win in Game 2, Dolphins steadied themselves and clinched the title with a 56–49 triumph in the decider. Natasha Lopang, jersey 11, was named Women’s MVP after her pivotal role in guiding the Dolphins to glory.
Reflecting on the 2025 season, BBA President Mothusi Thipe acknowledged the contrasting fortunes between the North and South divisions.
“The 2025 BBL season concluded with a notable tale of two leagues,” Thipe said. “While the BBL North enjoyed a smooth and successful campaign, the BBL South faced significant financial and operational hurdles. To ensure southern teams could still meet their BAL and WBAL qualification deadlines, the league format was amended. Despite these challenges, the National Championships proved to be the most competitive and memorable in the history of the league.”
Thipe added that while the top-flight season has wrapped, basketball action continues. “The Division 2 South season remains underway, with teams vying for a spot in Division 1,” he noted. “The National Championships and league were also used to select the senior national team, which last played in 2014. The future looks very bright.”
Among the 35 athletes named to the provisional Botswana senior national team, several standout performers from the Northern League were recognized for their impact this season.
For the men, Delta Spirit’s Dingani Motswadira, the North League’s top scorer, and his teammate Lone “Beast” Ralegoreng, who dominated the paint during the playoffs, made the cut. Rising guard Leeroy Makgaritha also joins the roster, alongside defensive anchor Pearson Monyadiwa.
On the women’s side, talents like Monica Tlou and Aone Mbaakanyi were rewarded for their consistency, while Precious Makgaritha adds youthful energy to the squad.
With Dolphins crowned champions in both categories and the senior national team preparing for its long-awaited return, the close of the 2025 season signals a turning point for Botswana basketball. The North may have fallen short at the Top 4, but its players will carry the region’s hopes onto the national stage.
