The Sunday Mail
Brighton Zhawi —
ZIMBABWE’S representatives at this year’s edition of the Zone VI Volleyball Club championships have set their targets on ending the country’s decade-long barren streak of trophies at the annual event.
The last Zimbabwean team to win the regional tournament, which kicks off in Namibia tomorrow, was Jewels, back in 2006. Now, the country’s representatives in the men’s competition – Support Unit and Naba – have vowed to put their best foot forward and bring the trophy home.
“We have won some trophies before but there is one we haven’t got, we want it now,” declared Support Unit men’s head coach Itsalang Abu Basutu.
“The boys know that it will be tough, but they are ready to face the challenge that lies ahead,” he said.
Naba coach Shadreck Chisoko, fresh from clinching the double, echoed his compatriot’s sentiments.
“We intend to finish in the semi-finals or better as we have a good team and are coming from a great season.
“Momentum is on our side.
“We have also had good preparations, going into the tournament, and so confidence is high,” said Chisoko.
Not to be outdone, the ladies, who will be represented by UZ Wolves and Support Unit, also hope to make history and become the first women’s teams from this country to be crowned the regional champions.
“We are in the process of readying the girls to be at their best.
“They are coming off from winning the Sadc College Games, so we have now reinforced the team with players like Brenda Mubvumbi,” said UZ Wolves coach Jonathan Gava.
“The players are very happy. The Vice Chancellor ensured that the team got proper preparations,” Gava said.
The tournament’s technical meeting will be conducted today before matches begin tomorrow.
