A pair of brothers representing Lotus Lions Volleyball Club (LLVC) proved their mettle at the Cape Town Volleyball Federation (CTVF) U-19 Youth Day Championships, with both LLVC boys’ and girls’ teams clinching the coveted titles.

The CTVF U-19 Youth Day Tournament is an annual developmental volleyball championship hosted by the CTVF around South Africa’s Youth Day, 16 June.

The most recent edition took place this Tuesday, bringing together junior indoor volleyball clubs from across Cape Town.

LLVC is a community-based sports organisation and competitive team based in Lotus River.

The tournament was a showcase of talent and unity, with six Lotus Lions players selected for the Western Cape Volleyball Association (WCVA) u-19 teams and seven for the u-17 Western Cape Schools Volleyball Association (WCSVA) teams, said Heathfield High School principal Nadia Aanhuizen.

Family affair

A pair of brothers at Heathfield High and members of LLVC, Siyabonga and Ayabonga Berry made their school and club proud after both swept medals at the tournament.

Ayabonga and Siyabonga were pivotal in defence as middle blockers. This is a fantastic achievement for players and club,” Aanhuizen said.

Reflecting on the victory, Siyabonga said his team were always confident and always kept their heads up even when they were losing and that mentality helped them achieve their win.

“It was so exciting seeing all the teams coming and trying their absolute best, as we got into the semifinals and finals, the pressure built up, but we stayed calm and played our best. We try and train consistently, and as much as possible, our goal as a team is to be one of the best and toughest teams in the premier league.”

Training

LLVC head coach Daniel Martin said one thing that set their team apart was the Lions’ commitment to training.

“My main role was often to step in as team captain and coach, especially when our coach couldn’t be there. I would take charge, teaching the girls and ladies all the fundamentals and some advanced moves needed to take our game to the next level. When new recruits joined, I was responsible for their training. Many of the fundamentals used by the top players in the team today are things I taught them back then.”

This is the fourth year in a row that Lotus Lions have taken first place in this tournament, he added.

“This is something we take great pride in. Winning four consecutive Youth Day tournaments is an achievement that no other team has managed for quite some time. Other teams have even formed so-called ‘super teams’ just to try to beat the Lotus Lions.”

For their preparation, the Lions focused on developing a game plan around hitting in the middle.

“The Lotus Lions already have strong chemistry, especially with our wings and defence, but we wanted to add a new dimension to our attack,” Martin said.

Aanhuizen said the club is attracting players from all over.

“I’m chuffed that our development plan for players is reaping benefits: they can continue playing after completing schooling,” she said.

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