The Sunday Mail
Brighton Zhawi in MAPUTO
Support Unit men’s volleyball team became the first Zimbabwean team to play in a Confederation of African Volleyball Region V Club Championships final in eight years.
Not since the mighty Jewels class of 2006, had a local volleyball team played in the regional competition final.
Support Unit broke that hiatus against Mozambique’s Autoridade de Tributaria last night.
The ZRP policemen have not only quelled their perennial quarter-finalists jinx, but also the country’s struggles at this tournament.
Support Unit coach Itsanang Aba Basuthu had always been emphasising on his team “making progress”.
They did, from being quarter-finalists since their debut appearance in Zambia in 2012 and last year in Botswana, they finally played in a dream final against Mozambique’s Autoridade last night.
A team blending experience and callow, talent and hard-workers, burly and slender, Support Unit’s success is a positive prospect for the sport.
Captain Radios “Jangola”Mhetu said he is proud of his “great” team.
“I feel honoured to be part of this team especially being the incumbent captain, I am leading great guys who are willing to go all the way to make the country proud in general and the police in particular,” he said.
The team’s superb performance also coincided with the blooming of 20-year old Douglas Choto, who is also a national team Beach Volleyball player.
Choto, young brother to former Warriors player, Dickson, showed great temperament, skill and handled pressure with maturity that at times defied his age.
“I think I am doing exceptionally well, but there is still room for improvement.
“I have learnt that you have to be calm and focused doing what needs to be done at certain period,” said the lanky Choto.
His coach Basuthu credited his senior players for guiding the youngster.
“The young man has been inspirational, the senior players have been talking to him, encouraging him because everyone is seeing his potential,” said Basuthu.
Jewels’ team chairman Witness Mufarinya complimented Support Unit for assembling a good team.
“They have shown great improvement, their performance has been excellent and I must commend them for retaining most of their players from the previous tournament. Hopefully they build on it and continue doing the country proud,” said Mufarinya.
Team Lineup
Muphrey Chindumo
Douglas Choto
Kudzai Sibangane
Radios Mhetu
Tazviona Zvirawa
Cuthbert Sixpence
