Durban, South Africa, April 8, 2005 – Tournament favourites South Africa won the opening match of the 2006 Men’s World Championship first round tournament (Africa Pool B) beating Botswana 3-0 (25-17 25-21 25-13) on Friday.

With a brilliant crowd of 3,000 fans roaring South Africa on in the University of KwaZulu Natal’s Sports Centre in Durban, the home side took just over an hour to record their opening victory.

The superior play of South Africa at the net was the difference between the two sides with the block of the home side particularly impressive, much to the delight of coach Hamid El Wassimy.
Pic: Botswana spike wide in the opening match against South Africa
Friday’s result now means Botswana must beat Mauritius in Saturday’s match to entertain any thought of remaining in contention to advance to the second round of the 2006 Men’s World Championship. A win to Mauritius will mean their match against South Africa on Sunday will decide the winner of the tournament.

The winner of the three-team tournament will advance to a 2006 World Championship round two tournament to be held in Tunisia from July 26-30 which Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco are already confirmed to play in.

Day two of the 2006 Men’s World Championship first round tournament (Africa Pool B) sees Mauritius play Botswana at 16:00 GMT on Saturday. More World Championship news Tournament info