Volleyball: NABA Stars vow to shoot down Support Unit

NABA STARS have vowed to extinguish Support Unit’s title challenge when the two teams collide in a Harare Volleyball League penultimate match at Harare Polytechnic today.
Support Unit plunge into the tie seeking to catch up with log leaders Black Rhinos. A defeat to Naba will all but vanquish the police outfit’s title hopes ahead of next weekend’s last round of matches.

Stars have surprised many this season and are lodged on position Three on the log and their coach, Jonathan Gava, believes his side has the arsenal needed to dismiss SU.

“We have beaten them before and we can do it again, all my players are available for selection expect utility player Munyaradzi Mavima, who is down with an injury.

“In Danai Mangeya, Takadiwa Mashiri, Gamuchirai Makawa, Blessing Chimanga, Tazviona Chirahwi, Hlakanipani Maphosa and the hard-working Solomon Chinyani I have a team that can stand up to Support Unit.

“Obviously we expect a tough match from SU. They are trying to topple Rhinos from the top of the log.

“It’s an important match for us as well as we are trying to keep our position in the top three.

“However, the good is that much pressure is on them as they seek to win the league.”

The two sides met in the Zimbabwe Volleyball Association Open Championships in March and Support Unit lost to Naba who went all the way to the finals.

Stars eventually lost to Railstars. The two sides were to meet again in the reverse fixture of the HVL and Naba were thumped 3-0 before they lost again in the HVA Mid Season Tournament.

Stars’ veteran player Shadreck Chisoko stoked up the flames, saying there is nothing that can stop them from beating SU.

“We have a way of beating them. They tend to get too emotional when playing us and that increases their error rate,” he said.

“If we manage to contain the young duo of Douglas Choto and Charles Nyamasve, we will have Support Unit in our palm. We also have the added advantage that we now have their former player and libero Ashley Bonzo in our ranks. He has good control of the ball and is a good passer.”

SU coach Itsanang Abu-Basuthu chose to play his cards close to the chest as the league heads for an exciting climax.
“We have to play our normal game and see what happens. They can take one or two sets, but we will beat them.
“My players are psyched up for the game,” he said.