Volleyball action roars

15 Oct, 2014 - 18:10 0 Views
Volleyball action roars

The Sunday Mail

VOLLEYBALL giants Stanbic Thunder and UZ Wolves begin their quest to defend their titles when the national league roars into action this weekend at the University of Zimbabwe courts.

Reigning male champions Stanbic Thunder, who also claimed a remarkable double after lifting the Harare championship, begin the season with a date against Railstars itching to cement their place at the top table of the local volleyball action.

National women champions UZ Wolves, who retained their Zim Open title last season and also clinched the Harare crown, are up against Bulawayo side Highlanders as the fight for slots at the Zone Six Championships begin in earnest.

The top three finishers of the competition will qualify to represent Zimbabwe at next year’s Zone Six Club

Championships whose hosts are yet to be announced.

Stanbic Thunder clinched their maiden title last year beating Gweru based Tigers in a season they claimed a double
after also winning the Harare Volleyball Association league title.

Stanbic Thunder coach Mathew Shava is optimistic of retaining their title.
“We always play with pressure because we are the team to beat.
“The boys are raring to go, they have matured, and they have shown it by winning the Open season tournament and the End of Season competition as well.
“We were unfortunate not to win the mid-season tournament, but we have matured like I said.
“We have some exciting youngsters in power hitters like Kudzayi Bakaidza and Ishmael Masiya and despite losing one of our key players Nyashadzashe Takawira, I am confident we will defend our title.
Shava however has concerns on the future of star player and national team regular Brighton Ngunzi who has been linked with a move away to Naba.

Stanbic Thunder are in pool A with Black Rhinos, Morris Depot and Bulawayo giants Railstars whom they play first.

Commenting on the group Shava said: “ This is where all the volleyball is, the group is tight and playing

Railstars first is a big challenge but I am confident we will collect maximum points against them.’’

Wolves coach Gava said his ladies enjoyed their campaign in the Zone Six Club Championships last year and would love to play in the international tournament again.

“The team is excited, they are motivated by their experience at the Zone Six, and they now know how it feels to play international tournaments.

“We have lost our central blocker Chido Maisiri to rivals Support Unit, but it is not really an impact as we have sought replacements.

“We are good to go,” said Gava.

Saturday Fixtures
Men
Stanbic Thunder v Railstars
Tigers v Naba
B/Rhinos v Morris Depot
Support Unit v Jewels
Women
Support Unit v Diamonds
UZ v H/landers
ZRP Harare v ZRP Raiders
Diamonds v ZRP Raiders

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