Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube
THE Bulawayo Volleyball Association held its annual awards ceremony on 17 January where past and present performers in the sport were honoured.
The biggest prize went to Vulindlela Moyo as he lay in his hospital bed at Mpilo Central Hospital.
“Last week we presented Vulindlela Moyo with the lifetime achievement award. We did not think it would get to this when we did, we thought he would recover,” said the association chairman Munyaradzi Chigudu at Moyo’s funeral service in Kezi on Wednesday.
Moyo died at the age of 58 last Sunday morning ending a year battle with a heart ailment.
Moyo was honoured for his contribution to the game in which as a player he brought several pieces of silverware to Bulawayo and as a coach so many inter-provincial championships.
He rose to being the technical director of women’s volleyball in the country in a sport where at some stage with a Level Three certification, with Itsanang Abu Basuthu, they were the most qualified coaches in Zimbabwe.
Moyo was buried in Kezi on Wednesday and he received a send-off befitting the legend he was.
Raiders’ Roseline Macheza won the women’s Best Setter award. She plays for Raiders one of the teams Moyo coached in the past.
Nyaradzai “Munya” Sibanda of Chimoio claimed the men’s Best Setter award, he was outstanding all year initiating great sets for his attackers. He was a pillar in his team’s campaign raising his teammates’ spirits when chips were down.
Omega Rumbidzai Chiduku of Bekezela Ndlovu’s Vipers and Quincy Mudenda of Chimoio in the men’s category were the most outstanding attackers in the 2025 season. Their contributions to their respective sides were notable with the Best Blocker accolades taken by Belinda Manuel of Vipers Lades Club and Credence Manga of Rebels.
The Best Libero in the women’s category was Collin Makambe of Raiders and Godwin Mabika of Chimoio.
Perhaps it was a remarkable feat for Manuel to win the Best Server award, one won by Moyo a number of times during his playing career with Raiders.
Moyo was Vipers coach.
Mufaro Rufu of Rebels was rewarded for his good season outside the court where he sent offensive serves to get points for his side.
The Most Improved Player Award went to Lorraine Ndlovu of Lycans Ladies and Rebels’ Courage Tshuma.
Two junior players Langelihle Mlangeni (Vipers) and Simbarashe Kumbirayi (Khami Prison) were honoured for representing Bulawayo in national teams.
The People’s Choice Awards went to Langelihle Mlangeni (Vipers) and Vladimir of Lycans Men’s Club.
Other Awards
Most Valuable Player
Females
Mary Matsheza – Raiders
Males
Wisdom “Wizzy” Mlauzi – Chimoio
Coach of the Year 2025
Females
Deus Sakala – Raiders
Males
Eric Manginga Ndlovu -Chimoio
Referee of the Year 2025
Godfrey Maseko
Honorary Distinguished Service
(Lifetime) Award
Coach Vulindlela Jasper Moyo
Team Awards
Females
Bronze – Lycans; Silver – Vipers
Gold – Raiders
Males
Bronze – Lycans; Silver – Rebels; Gold – Chimoio
