Diphatsa men volleyball club have pulled out of next month's Zone VI club championships in Durban, South Africa because of financial constraints.

The club needs about P70,000 for transport but coach Daniel Ngozi said they have only managed to raise around P30,000.

Diphatsa got a special invitation from the organisers and this means the Botswana National Sports Council (BNSC) cannot fund their trip.

Ngozi said they resolved in a meeting with members of the team board that they should abandon the trip, as there is no hope of raising more money.

He explained that they had not confirmed participation, as they doubted if they would make it. He said they sought help from the Botswana Volleyball Federation (BVF) but they were informed that the BNSC only sponsors the champions.

Diphatsa was invited after their impressive performance in the Debswana tournament where they were runners-up.

Ngozi regretted that they will miss an opportunity to give their players exposure.

He said Diphatsa have young players and taking part in the tournament will help the team to prepare for future competitions.

"But there is nothing we can do. We will just wait for another opportunity," Ngozi said.

Diphatsa last took part in the Zone VI tournament in 2006 after winning the Debswana championship and brought home a bronze medal.

Mission Mereyotlhe of BVF said there is no way they can help Diphatsa because they do not have enough money in their coffers.

He said the federation is struggling to raise money to finance the volleyball league.

Meanwhile, there were reports that Botswana champions, BDF VI may not make it to the Zone VI event because of financial shortages.

However, the coach, Selebatso Mabutho dismissed the reports saying they have not been informed about withdrawing from the tournament by their bosses.

"As of now, all we know is that we are going," Mabutho said.