This past weekend, the Lucara Botswana Netball League concluded with the finals in Orapa, with first-time entrants, Maun Heroes, making a remarkable debut and showing immense potential for future success.
Maun Heroes women’s team finished 5th out of 18 teams, while the men’s team secured the 6th position out of ten after qualifying from the regional to the Lucara Botswana Netball league finals. The women’s team faced Jwaneng United Netball in their first game and lost 82 to 15.
However, they bounced back with a victory against Nico United Netball, winning 49 to 32, before losing their final game to Police with a score of 49 to 32. The men’s team, despite losing all their games, demonstrated determination and potential, especially in their last match.
Mokeresete Mokeresete, the public relations officer of Maun Heroes, expressed pride in the team’s achievements. “What we have achieved as a club is nothing short of a historical feat. We started our club in April last year, and now we have managed to reach the national finals. This is the first time a North West Netball team has made it this far.”
Mokeresete praised the teams’ efforts, stating, “Despite our challenges, I think we have done well. I’d like to commend their efforts as they have shown sportsmanship and a competitive spirit that is core to our club.”
Standout performers from the women’s team included Shelia Tsetse, Patronella Thapi, and Grace Molatlhiwa, who were instrumental in their advancement to the national under-21 team. On the men’s side, Innocent Chawe emerged as a standout defensive player, with Mokeresete believing he might be Botswana’s best defensive player. Another notable player, Nametsegang Barutegi, who started playing in March, showed significant improvement and advanced quickly.
Mokeresete highlighted the club’s challenges, revealing, “We have come this far with what we have but face serious issues such as lack of resources, transport, and food for the players. We appeal to the community for sponsorship to help our players develop and have a fair chance at playing the sport. With enough resources, I believe we could dominate the sport nationally.”
Maun Heroes officially started in April last year, forming both women’s and men’s teams, primarily comprising young talent, with most women’s team members under the age of 21. Their historic feat of reaching the national league finals and battling to the end has become the club’s identity.
Mokeresete expressed his gratitude to the players and coaches, stating, “I am very thankful for the sacrifices all the players and coaches have made. Their dedication to the sport is a testament to their character and has set the groundwork for the team to grow to greater heights.”
Looking ahead, Mokeresete revealed plans to start a regional competition called MAUN Netball Club, which he hopes will be held annually beginning this December, fostering growth and recruitment of new players through trials involving other villages such as Gumare.
“We want the club and sport to grow in this area as I think there is a lot of talent that has been overlooked and not given the opportunity. I believe this is the start and a pointer of bigger and better things to come.” Mokeresete concluded.
