The Sunday Mail
Brighton Zhawi
THEY might have lost key players ahead of their second appearance at the African Volleyball Clubs Championships, but UZ men’s team – the Wolves – are not crying.
“Wolves don’t cry,” said assistant coach Memory Dube.
The Zimbabwean champions will be missing some familiar faces at the continental competition pencilled for Cairo from March 30- April 11 this year.
Reigning best server of the Zone VI Championship Keith Machakaire, veteran setter Tazviona Zvirawa, libero Clayton Marere, power-hitter Terrence Chapingidza and centre blocker Isaac Chokera have all joined cross-town rivals Harare City.
Wolves have had to rebuild the team with Dube saying UZ Wolves have a proud history of producing some fine players.
“We are not cry-babies, City has the financial muscle and we understand that, but our job is to produce more good players,” she said.
“We have a good system of making good players, remember we now have UZ Wolves team A and B in the premier league and that is a sign that our pool is big.
“The departure of some players gives other a chance to step up and fill the gaps. The system has been activated and we are already polishing some gems.”
As preparations for the continental showcase gather steam, the defending Harare Volleyball Association League and Zimbabwe Volleyball National League champions are spending most of their time in the gym.
“We have basically started with conditioning, we are doing gym in the morning then in the afternoons we are on the court,” revealed Dube whose team finished 12th on their maiden appearance last year.
“Last year we came 12 out of 24 teams and it goes without saying that this year we intend to do much, much better,” she said.
“We have been there before and understand what’s required. It will not be easy but as a team we are encouraged by the way things have started coming together,” added the Wolves assistant coach.
