Volleyball pioneer, Klaas Mailula says there is a ray of light in the renewal of the sport.
Volleyball legend, Klaas Mailula has launched a comeback trail to resuscitate the game, fearing its untimely demise.
Mailula is not new to pioneering the game, have started the now-defunct Botlokwa Evergreen during its heydays in the 1990s.
The team cemented itself as a competitive side in the provincial under the auspices of Limpopo Volleyball Association (LVA).
The retired high school principal says his job will be made easier when he mobilises local schools in villages and townships across the province.
Mailula remains celebrated in annals of the sport have played a pivotal role in the coaching and administration of the sport at both provincial and national echelons.
“We are going to embark on a holistic journey of Criss crossing the province, spreading the volleyball gospel in our province. This program has a potential to succeed as long as we have a buy-in from primary and secondary schools. The school is the only area where there is maximum participation of young people,” he says.
Mailula says the program has already commenced in some areas where youngsters are trickling en masse to the [playing] courts.
“We are pleased to confirm that development programs in some neighborhoods are already underway. There is a glimmer of hope for the game as more and more youngsters are showing huge interest in volleyball.
“To ensure that we instil the love of the game for these young minds, we need to first nurture them well psychologically while their minds are still fragile. Dealing with young minds is not always easy for some sport coaches. You need a little bit of sports psychology to understand young, fragile minds. I’m fortunate because I come from a background of teaching and sports development. We will rally behind each other for the betterment of these young minds,” he says.
Mailula says the volleyball fraternity intends to organise mini leagues and age group tournaments.