The Sunday Mail
Brighton Zhawi
WEEKS on from becoming Zimbabwe’s first ever Most Valuable Player (MVP) award winner at the Zone VI Volleyball Championships, the magnitude of Tafadzwa Keni’s achievement is still to hit home.
The 22-year-old UZ utility player was in superb form inspiring his team to a maiden finals appearance at the regional competition held in Bulawayo earlier this month. UZ might have lost to local big brothers Support Unit in the all Zimbabwe final, but their terrific run did not go unnoticed as their captain emerged the best player at the tournament and by extension in the region.
“It came as a huge shock to me. I didn’t expect to have any award at all at this tournament,” said Keni, who was making a second appearance at the games after playing for Naba in Mozambique back in 2014.
“When I heard my name and jersey number being called out for the MVP award I almost fainted, I was in shock.” Such was UZ’s run during the tournament that they actually had two players in the running for the prestigious award.
Deadricks Watch and eventual winner Keni, and both players have since revealed that they believed the other would win.
“Deardricks Watch hinted at me that he thought I would win, which is funny given I too thought he going to be crowned MVP,” he said. As soon as he held his trophy, there was only one person on the 22-year-old’s mind.
“I texted my mom,” said the MVP. She has been a pillar of strength together with my dad and relatives. They are sports minded people and allowed me to purse my passion which is playing volleyball. Many parents would have said no due to the risks and stuff but mine have been supportive in making sure I have a better experience in sport.
“They bought me everything I need whether it be kits bags, shoes, training gears guards and they would occasionally help me out with transport money,” said Keni who grew up Chitungwiza but now stays in Beatrice. NIn hindsight, the MVP award is but the icing on the cake after Keni’s stellar season.
He scooped a number of medals that included gold in the Zimbabwe University Sports Association Games, National Youth Games (where he was also crowned MVP) and also silver medals in the Harare Volleyball League and the National League. Keni recently graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Applied Arts Honours in Religious Studies at the University of Zimbabwe.
“This has been one of my best years ever, both a player and the team captain. We also got an award for being the most improved team at the UZ Vice Chancellors awards,” he said.
