The Sunday Mail
Japan based former Zimbabwe volleyball skipper, Murray Ndlovu, still dreams of playing for his country and will be “humbled and honoured’’ to don the national team shirt once more.
Ndlovu, who plays for Oita Miyoshi Wessie Adler, in the Japanese Challenge League, believes he has gained experience which he would like to use in playing for his national team.
“I’m always available; I will be humbled and honoured to represent my country at any time. I pray that the games do not clash with my league this side, but even though, my country, is priority,” the 30-year-old setter told The Sunday Mail in an interview from his base, Oita, South of Japan.
The player, who is also used as a utility, last played for Zimbabwe at the 2011 All Africa Games qualifiers in Durban and could make a return to the same competition, if he is, however, called up.
The Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB) is set to announce the details of this year’s All Africa Games qualifiers, but the Sub-zonal qualifiers are expected to start this month
Ndlovu, who has spent the past four years in Japan, is living his dream despite his team’s demotion to the first division.
“When I came here we were in the top league, that’s Japanese Premier League, but now we are in the Challenge League, that’s the 1st division so to say . . . it’s been amazing, and a dream come true.
“I feel I have gained quite a lot of experience. We practice every day. I am certain my level of play has gone up since I came here. I am comfortable and I have made friends with my team mates.
“It can be lonely and challenging, following a set schedule everyday, but in all things, I thank God. I’m alive and have energy to go on still,” said Ndlovu, who formerly played for Kutlwano of Botswana and Cigma (South Africa).
Ndlovu holds a FIVB level 2 coaching certificate and believes Zimbabwe can be dominant in the region.
“Well, many of the Zimbabwe players are playing in better leagues in the region and abroad, in Botswana, and South Africa.
“I believe we will soon be a dominant force in the region. To add to that, our clubs are doing quite well in the region, look at the recently finished zonal club championships.
“We do have the talent in Zimbabwe, being exposed to a higher level of volleyball; I believe I’m in a good position to safely say, yes, we got what it takes to be champions.”
Ndlovu is a former Cranborne Boys High and Prince Edward School student, who made his international debut at 18 and has plans to give back to volleyball in the future.
“Volleyball is part of my life; I intend to give much more to it.”
“I am grateful to Martin Dururu, he is the man who gave me the dream I live today, he taught me all I know in volleyball and more. And one trainer of ours in the Zimbabwe volleyball national team called Masaki Kashiwagi, Japanese, saw my potential and linked me to the club. That’s how I got to be in Japan.
Ndlovu, who stands at 1,93m, had this to say before we concluded the chat: “to everyone out there, you can become whatever you want to be. Believe in yourself. Dream big, it’s not illegal yet.”
