The Sunday Mail
Ever since making history by leading CBZ Jewels to the Zone VI club volleyball championships title 11-years-ago, Ngoni Mutambirwa has since long to see another local team scale to similar heights.
Support Unit and Naba have been close, with the later losing 2-3 to Botswana’s Police VI in Namibia last year while Support Unit were outclassed 0-3 by Autoridade de Tributaria of Mozambique in Maputo in 2014.
When captain Mutambirwa and his Jewels clinched the title, Zimbabwe hosted the tournament at the City Sports Centre back in 2006 and the games are back.
Zimbabwe is scheduled to host the annual competition at Bulawayo’s ZITF Hall, from December 7-17, and it is Mutambirwa’s wish that the trophy stays when the dust settles.
“Bring the trophy back home, where it belongs, that’s my message to our representatives,” said Mutambirwa,
The hosts will be represented by Support Unit, UZ and Naba who will do duty in the men’s category.
“Obviously volleyball played some ten years ago is different to how it is being played now as it has been modernized, it is now quicker, more physical and rules are ever changing.
“What is important and never changes is the need for good preparations.
“There is no substitute for that.
“The guys have to be physically and mentally strong and stay focused,” said Mutambirwa.
The former CBZ Jewels captain has picked Support Unit as favourites, but believes a youthful UZ may ‘surprise’ many despite being debutants.
“Support Unit can win this tournament; I think they have an edge due to being experienced campaigners, and their team has been progressing steadily over the years.
“I expect them to shine,” he said.
Commenting on debutants, Mutambirwa said, “UZ have a surprise element about them.
“They are a quick young team that are playing good volleyball.
“For Naba, a lot has happened.
“They have a different team from the one that played in Namibia last year and could have trouble finding their balance.
“They are still good team though,” he said.
