Veronica Gwaze

Harare City Volley Club needs at least US$25 000 to ensure that both the men and women teams travel for this year‘s edition of the Confederation of African Volleyball Zone VI games, slated for December 13-22, in Lilongwe, Malawi.

Both teams secured spots in the CAVB tournament after completing last year’s national league tournament among the top two teams in their respective categories.

The team, a 45-member delegation, is set to travel on December 9 by road.

Club manager, Godfrey Jembere, said finances remain a headache for the municipality side.

“For preparations, travelling and tournament we need about US$25 000 which translates to about $500 000 in local currency.

“This is to cover travel, accommodation and meals for 28 players (14 from each team), 11 technical members, the technical director, club manager and other support staff.

“We have since secured the bus, however, we are still yet to secure 600 litres of fuel and money for upkeep,” he said.

As preparations intensify, the club has organised a fundraising dinner that is expected to raise about $200 000. Scheduled for November 1 at the Harare International Conference Centre, the organisers are inviting well-wishers and their various stakeholders to extend their giving hand.

Mr Jembere said on the field, preparations are on course.

Formed in 2016, the teams have won several competitions that include Zone VI Championships 2017, Harare volleyball league, Zimbabwe national league and Harare Volleyball Open.

At the last edition of CAVB, which was held in Durban, South Africa, both teams were eliminated at the quarter final stages and this year their eyes are on a top-four finish.