The Sunday Mail
Brighton Zhawi
CONFIDENCE is said to be the best outfit one wears when they go into battle.
And for UZ Wolves’ blocker Shammah Muneta; he wears it like a badge of honour, every time he steps onto the park.
Volleyball court or modelling ramp, his other passion, it doesnt matters.
With the African Club Championships just around the corner, it is that same bravado that his teammates hope to spur them on when they take on some of the continent’s best teams.
“I believe l rank amongst the best in the country and some might say the region,” said the 25-year-old.
“I’m still constantly trying to improve myself and become the best of the best,” he said.
“As a team we are constantly pushing each other, though quite a daunting task, l can happily say we are slowly but surely getting there,” said the former Mutare Boys and Nhowe Mission student.
Muneta talks a big game, especially when it comes to his approach to the volleyball as a blocker.
“It requires high levels of concentration, consistency and versatility,” he said.
“The mentality is always proactive not reactive and, therefore, at every given turn l have to be at the top of my game,” he said.
This will be his second appearance at this tournament, slated for March 31-April 13 in Cairo, after having taken part in last year’s edition held in Tunisia.
“It was such a surreal experience and l learnt a lot just by playing at that level.
“This year is not only about competing against the best but a progress check of what l have learned and cultivated.”
Off the court, Muneta loves the camera.
“It’s actually a new passion.
“I’m a very expressive person and modelling is somewhat the ideal platform to provide that leverage.
Also, who doesn’t like wearing nice trendy clothes.
“The influence of Harare fashion Week director Munyaradzi Chihungwa is what has propelled me into this field and I’m steadily enjoying each encounter.
“I have been doing it for about five months now,” he said On his story in the field, Muneta said; “A little over two years ago l did a shoot, with Lee Shonhiwa of Rapture Images, and the concept was on volleyball.
“He enjoyed working with me and told me l had the potential to be a professional model. A year later l got a cast call audition invite from one of my designer friends and that’s how l got selected into the Harare fashion week show last December.
“It was a remarkable experience,” he said.
The former Naba player comes from a family with a rich in sporting background.
“My father (Innocent) and mother (Gladys) played football and netball in their youth. “I am the eldest child followed by twins Munopa and Munesu who are eccentric athletes and dabble in a little rugby here and there.
“Our little sister Salome is also a talented hockey star at Hillcrest College,” he said.
