Durban, South Africa, April 6, 2005 - South African Volleyball enthusiasts will be privileged to witness the spectacular first round of the 2006 World Championships between South Africa, Mauritius and Botswana at the University of KwaZulu Sports Centre, Westville Campus, from April 8-10, 2005.

The tournament will decide which team joins Tunisia, Morocco and Algeria in the second round of the event in Tunisia in July this year. The winner of the North African leg of the competition will represent the African continent at the prestigious World Championship in Japan from October 31 to December 3, 2006.

Indian Ocean Island champions Mauritius, who arrived four days ahead of schedule, have been issuing warnings that they intend to defeat all the opposition en-route to the Tunisian leg.

However SA head coach Hamid el Wassimy is confident about South Africa's chances of progressing to the next phase. The South Africans, who wind down their preparation at Wednesday’s final training camp in Durban, will be looking to in-form offensive players Andile Masinga, Freedom Chiya, Kershin Govender and Navin Surendra to spearhead their attack.

As spectator support plays a crucial part in lifting the home side's spirits and unsettling the visitors, organisers are expecting people to pack the stands for the three-match series.

Schedule of fixtures: Friday, April 8 - South Africa v Botswana
Saturday, April 9 - Botswana v Mauritius
Sunday, April 10 - South Africa v Mauritius

Story courtesy of Post & Independent Online