The Sunday Mail
Brighton Zhawi in MAPUTO, Mozambique
One of Zimbabwe’s representatives at the Region V Volleyball Club Championships, ZRP Raiders, have pulled out of the competition due to financial challenges.
The ZRP Raiders ladies team’s absence leaves Support Unit and UZ Wolves as the only Zimbabwe ladies teams at the tournament that starts tomorrow.
UZ Wolves were, however, yet to arrive by yesterday night, so were Stanbic Thunder who were making last minute traveling arrangements yesterday.
If Thunder manage to travel, they will join three-time participants Support Unit and débutantes Naba, who arrived yesterday morning for the eighth edition of the tournament.
Competition winners progress to the Continental Championships before the World Club Championships whose dates and host countries are yet to be advised.
Support Unit are expected to raise the country’s flag high after reaching the quarter-finals during last year’s edition.
Support Unit coach Itsanalang aba Abasutu said they will be aiming for a strong start to their campaign.
“The start can have a strong influence on the end; so, it is important that we start well. We will give it our best shot,” he said.
Debutants Naba’s coach Munyaradzi Mavima maintains they will use this experience to learn.
“We are babies in this tournament with a lot to learn, but that will not stop us from doing our best,” he said.
Fixtures and tournament schedules will be released this morning after the Region’s technical staff meeting held late yesterday.
Zimbabwe has three referees at the competition in Leornard Gaize, Sibangane Mashasha and Sibusiso Masiyanise.
Botswana’s Police Six were the other team to have arrived for the competition by yesterday.
Mozambique’s Autoridade de Tributaria’ are the defending men’s Champion, while Botswana’s Kutlhwalo are the reigning ladies champions.
