Online Reporter
Media Mpofu, Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE city of Bulawayo is preparing to host the National Volleyball League, scheduled to take place at Hillside Teachers’ College from October 25 to 26. The tournament is expected to attract top teams from across Zimbabwe, showcasing some of the finest volleyball talent in the country.
Matches will be played in both the men’s and women’s categories, with 12 teams competing in each division for crucial points.
Participating teams in the women’s division include: Black Mambas, Black Rhinos, Chapungu, Chimoio, CUT, Diamonds, Harare City, Lycans, Raven Claw, Southern Aces, UZ Wolves, and Vipers. The men’s division will feature: Black Mambas, Black Rhinos, Chapungu, Chimoio, Crocs, CUT, Naba, Ruwa, Shalom, St Collins, Titans, and UZ Wolves.
Bulawayo will be represented by Vipers, Lycans and Chimoio. Munyaradzi Chigudu, chairperson of the Bulawayo Volleyball League, said the city feels privileged to host the national league.
“As Bulawayo, we feel privileged to be the hosts. Although hosting is rotational, it is an advantage to Bulawayo and Southern Region teams as they will be able to participate without travelling and facing spending challenges,” said Chigudu.
He added that preparations are well underway, with the venue secured and teams training hard to showcase their talent.
“Teams will be battling to be part of the top eight who will then fight for the championship in the battle of the Super Eight,” he said.
Bekezela Ndlovu, head coach of Vipers, said her team’s preparations are progressing well as they aim to secure a spot in the top eight.
“We are playing the last team on the National League calendar.
“It is not an easy one, so we need to brace up. We want to win so that we can remain in the top eight and make it for the finals that will be played next month,” she said.
Ndlovu said the team goes into the weekend matches buoyed by their strong performance at the Diamonds Tournament held recently in Kwekwe, where they won a silver medal and two individual awards.
