The Sunday Mail
Veronica Gwaze
THE highly-anticipated derby, slated for University of Zimbabwe courts this morning, will be a tale of two coaches with a lot to prove.
Both nurtured by Martin Dururu- under the Black Rhinos banner in the early 2000s, Harare City ‘ s Itsanang Abu-Basutu and Chekuda Makuyana of University of Zimbabwe will be fighting for than just bragging rights.
Natured by one the same and both former members of the National Army; the two coaches will have their boys duke it out on their behalf.
In Abu-Basutu’s corner will be big names like Keith Machaikaire, Kudzai Sibangani, Simbarashe Mutambirwa and Charles Nyamasve, while Makuyana will be bank on lesser known players but plenty of heart and teamwork.
” For us today’ s game is like any other, in terms of how we prepared,” said Abu- Basutu.
“We take it as a fresh encounter and do everything possible to be at our best.
” With UZ it has always been a big game, not focusing on previous encounters, we always prepare in the best possible way, ” said the Harare City coach.
In what will be a grudge match, the game will wrap-up this year’s Harare Volley League.
Abu Basutu said the match also comes as part of preparations for the Zone Six games, scheduled to be held in Malawi next month.
” The match is also going to be a giant step in terms of how we prepare for the zone Six Games.”
Makuyana, unfazed by City’ s big money names, is optimistic of victory.
” The fact that we have worked together with Abu- Basutu, both as players and coaches, is testimony of the work that has gone into assembling the two best squads in Zimbabwe.
” For me, we did everything possible in terms of preparation; we added creativity with eyes on the scoreboard, and while I don’t have any big names on my side, it is now all up to the guys to stick to game plan, ” he said.
