The Sunday Mail
Brighton Zhawi Sports Reporter
NATIONAL men’s volleyball team coach Itsanang Abu Basuthu is confident the country will qualify for the All-Africa Games.
Both the men’s and women’s national squads leave for the Africa Games Regional qualifiers in Botswana today and Basuthu expects a tough outing.
The tournament runs from Tuesday to Sunday.
The top two teams in each category will qualify for the 11th Africa Games set for Congo Brazzaville in September.
Basuthu, who will be taking charge for the first time since being appointed to the top position last month, is aiming high despite admitting that he is a man under pressure.
“That is the objective, to qualify, then we take it from there,” he said.
“I have always worked under pressure, it is something I am used to, there is nothing new.”
The 44-year-old mentor expressed confidence in his side that has a blend of youth and experience.
“We worked on combinations and tried to amend some of the common mistakes we have made in the past, like failing to finish off games.
“Some guys have been exposed to high levels and the youngsters , whom I don’t doubt their talent, will learn from the senior guys,” he said.
In a bid to strengthen his team Basuthu has recalled Botswana based setter Misheck Mutambirwa who last featured for the national team in 2011.
Team manager Tawanda Sithole is also optimistic ahead of the trip.
“I think we stand a good chance . . . we have the best coaches, who are also good tacticians and I believe in their abilities.
“Our boys have a great chance of making it while for the ladies it’s 50/ 40 percent chance from my view, because they are more of an average height compared to the tall women of Botswana.”
Teams
Men: Simbarashe Chidziva, Douglas Choto, Misheck Mutambirwa, Trymore Nyakwangwa, Tawanda Mafuwa, Conrad Kupara, Cuthbert Sixpence, Trevor Sibanda, Keith Machakaire, Kudzanai Chironga, Muphrey Chindumo, Radios Mhetu
Women: Thelma Zvavamwe, Media Mafuta, Proceed Mkonto, Viola Muchaoona, Nozinhle Khumalo, Tsungirirai Taderera,Chido Maisiri, Mary Matsheza, Thembela Chanza , Nomagugu Dube, Eunice Tsvuura, Charity Madlangangobe.
