Zambia Women’s Volleyball Team Impresses at Ditsala International Cup in Botswana
National Team Claims Bronze in Return to Regional Action.
The Zambia Women’s Volleyball National Team has marked a triumphant return to regional action by clinching third place at the 2nd Annual Ditsala International Cup, held from May 29 to June 1 in Gaborone, Botswana.
The tournament, organized by Bring It Promotions (BIP) in partnership with the Botswana Volleyball Federation, brought together elite women’s teams from across Southern Africa and the United States. The event aimed to grow the sport of volleyball, provide international exposure to African athletes, and foster collaboration through clinics and mentorship from visiting U.S. players.
Zambia’s road to the podium was paved with determined performances, culminating in a 3–1 victory over the host nation’s senior team on the final day. The Zambian squad showcased resilience, tactical discipline, and strong teamwork, a testament to their preparation and unity despite a long period of inactivity.
Their bronze medal performance came after weeks of intense training at the OYDC Zambia Sports Development Centre. Head coach Arnold Simwezi had expressed high hopes before departure, stating, “The target for this particular engagement is to reach the final. That would be a big plus for us, especially since we’ve been inactive for a while.”
Though the team fell just short of that final berth, the third-place finish was widely celebrated, particularly as it marked Zambia’s return to top-level competition. The chemistry developed among players from various clubs proved instrumental in their success.
The tournament’s final day was a spectacle of passion and sportsmanship, with the Zambian women taking center stage in one of four action-packed matches. In a symbolic moment for Southern African sport, the Vice President of Botswana attended the closing ceremony to congratulate the athletes and emphasize the importance of regional cooperation and youth development through sport.
Final Day Results:
- Lesotho Juniors vs Botswana Juniors – 3:0
- Zambia Seniors vs Botswana Seniors – 3:1
- HBCU (USA) vs BIP (USA) – 2:1
Final Rankings:
🥇 1st Place – HBCU (USA)
🥈 2nd Place – BIP (USA)
🥉 3rd Place – Zambia Seniors
4️⃣ 4th Place – Botswana Seniors
5️⃣ 5th Place – Lesotho Juniors
6️⃣ 6th Place – Botswana Juniors
With renewed confidence and international experience under their belts, Zambia’s women’s volleyball team now sets its sights on future competitions, aiming to build on this momentum and further elevate the nation’s presence in the regional volleyball scene.
