Online Reporter
Media Mpofu, Zimpapers Sports Hub
BULAWAYO’S Gifford, Mpopoma and Sikhulile schools set off for Mutare yesterday with eyes firmly on medals at the National Association of Secondary School Heads (Nash) national soccer and beach volleyball finals that run from today until Friday.
Twenty-four boys’ and girls’ Under-15 soccer teams from the country’s 10 provinces will battle it out, while schools also compete in Under-17 and Under-20 boys’ and girls’ beach volleyball.
Mpopoma High will carry Bulawayo’s flag in Under-17 and Under-20 girls’ volleyball, Under-20 boys’ volleyball and girls’ soccer.
Sikhulile will feature in Under-17 boys’ volleyball after winning the provincial competition for the first time. Gifford earned their place in the Under-15 boys’ soccer after edging Sobukazi in the provincial finals.
Sikhulile coach Bekezela Ndlovu, an international umpire who has coached volleyball since 2011, was thrilled by her team’s maiden qualification.
“It is the first time for these boys to go to the nationals.
“They started beach volleyball last year, so they are pretty new to this game. We are eager to go and play and win,” she said.
Mpopoma coach Nkosana Ndlovu said their camp is confident of ending a long wait for another title.
“We are looking forward to bringing the trophy home because it has been a long time since we brought the championship to Bulawayo.
“We last won in 2019 at Dendera High School,” he said.
He believes last year’s finals appearance will give the Under-20s a valuable edge.
“Our teams are ready. We increased the training load and have been playing friendly matches.
“We are certain of bringing home a medal, whether silver, bronze, or gold, and leaving a legacy for our school and province,” he said.
