Maun Heroes Netball Club have successfully retained their Division A status after a determined and hard-fought campaign in Jwaneng, this past weekend, achieving their primary goal of avoiding relegation despite facing significant financial and logistical challenges.
Heading into the trip sitting fifth on the table with eight points, the club’s women’s and men’s teams each played four demanding matches against some of the league’s strongest opposition. While results proved challenging, the performances reflected a team that refused to be intimidated and instead focused on resilience, unity and growth.
Coach Mokeresete Mokeresete said the players arrived with a clear mindset — to compete fearlessly against higher-ranked teams and fight to preserve their place in the top tier. Across the fixtures, the women’s team steadily reduced score margins and showed strong team spirit and mental fortitude, demonstrating clear progress against more established sides.
Their fighting spirit did not go unnoticed. In the final matches, the women received a standing ovation from spectators, with rival coaches later approaching the Maun Heroes bench to ask what had changed and how the team had developed such renewed resolve.
The journey to Jwaneng was itself a major test. The team nearly missed the tournament due to funding shortages and ultimately travelled with only transport covered, without accommodation during the competition. Players were forced to make difficult adjustments just to ensure they could take the court — a sacrifice the coach described as a testament to the team’s commitment.
Despite not qualifying for the finals, securing Division A survival marked a major achievement for the club and a turning point in their development. The coach believes the youthful squad is laying the foundation for future success, noting that the women’s team has one of the youngest core age groups in the league — a factor he says signals the potential to produce some of Botswana’s best netball talent in the coming years.
On the court, the women recorded results of 27–45 against BDF Cats, 25–69 against Jwaneng, 26–43 against Police, before finishing strongly with a 43–31 victory over Notwane. The men faced a tough slate, falling to BDF Cats 20–55, Prisons 15–71, Notwane 29–64 and Police 16–77.
With Division A safety secured, Maun Heroes are already looking ahead to their next challenge, Find the Ball International Tournament scheduled for 17-21 July in Gaborone, where the club is aiming to compete for gold and the championship trophy.
The coach has again appealed to the business community and the public for sponsorship support, saying financial backing will be crucial in helping the team build on its progress and continue representing the region at the highest level.
