The Sunday Mail
DOUGLAS CHOTO was considered the heart of Support Unit volleyball club and his departure for Cyprus early this year left many questioning Gondo Harishayi’s ability to fly on.
However, in Kudzai Chironga the police outfit have a player who is taking his game to the next level with the aim of taking over from Choto as the man who gives Support Unit the wings.
The 28-year old power hitter has always been a consistent performer for the team but with Choto no longer available he knows everyone is looking up to him to step up to the plate and lead the charge towards glory.
“It’s a tough task but someone has to feel the void left by Choto and lead the team. Everyone at the club believes I am the man to do it and it’s a challenge I have accepted,” said Chironga.
The lanky lad has added some gym work to his routine and claims to be working twice as harder at training.
“This year I am a different player,” he said.
“Being touted as the leader of the team gives me the motivation to work even harder.
“I am now joining the heavyweight guys in the gym and the results have been pleasing.”
Chironga was in top form as Support Unit won the Independence trophy a fortnight ago but such is his attitude that even in the team’s hour of glory the power hitter is exploring how the team can improve.
“Winning the Independence trophy was something to celebrate but we must be the first to admit that we are not there yet, although we won the trophy we did not play to our full potential,” he said.
“As usual we want to grab every trophy that is on offer locally but we know it won’t be easy.
We need to work hard and have the right attitude each time we take to the court.”
Chironga yearns for another dance at the continental club championships after Tunisia 2015.
“I am working towards the Zone VI (Region V) Games; I think its Support Unit’s time to lift that cup.
“Playing in Tunisia was an eye opener, it showed me what volleyball can offer to one’s life and my wish is to go to such a tournament again and really make a mark,” he said.
At 28 some would argue that Chironga, who is nicknamed China after a combination code he introduced during his days at Koba, is running out of time to break into the professional leagues.
However, the much travelled power hitter claims the journey which started while he was doing Form 2 is still in its infancy.
“The best is yet to come and I will play for as long as my body allows me to play,” declared Chironga.
“Volleyball has brought me joy, I love the game and until my body tells me to stop, I will keep playing.
“I have also started preparing for life after my playing days. I would want to work as a coach and am already assisting some schools.”
