Chindumbo makes history

Fungai Munyoro
He has a flamboyant style of play, he has unflappable confidence and he is energetic on the field of play. His name is Murphrey Chindumbo.

As a volleyball player, Chindumbo has represented the country and clubs and has won several awards. He is rated the best libero (defensive specialist) in the country. He was born on January 22 1994 at Mufakose Clinic in the capital. Chindumbo’s career started while he was doing Grade Five at Beatrice Primary and continued to shine at Mpopoma High School in Bulawayo where he did his secondary education.

“My uncle Cornelius Muchaka used to play volleyball for Highlanders Volleybal Club and that is where I took it from and besides I have a passion for the sport,” said the Zimbabwe international.

At the age of 15 Chindumbo joined Railstars, a club that he is still playing for up to today.

He continued to impress in the field of play and he made his international debut as a 19-year-old in February 2013 and travelled with the national team that went to Malawi for the World Cup qualifiers where Zimbabwe was booted out in the early stages.

“It was my first game for the national team and I was voted the best libero. We played the second round and I got the same award again,” said the Bulawayo-based star.

In August 2013 the talented youngster won the best libero in a volleyball tourney which his club participated in. In December of the same year his club participated in the Zone Five Club Championships where he scooped the same award. Seems the youngster is unstoppable. The talented libero owes his success to his family and his former coach.

“I am so grateful to my family for their support, especially my mom and also to my former coach Itsanang Abu Basuthu, who made me to play as a libero. Sometimes I play as a power hitter, but I am a libero by profession,” he said.

Chindumbo was also part of the team which won silver in Maputo, Mozambique, recently.

“My best game was against the defending champions of the Regional Five Volleyball Chambionship, Authoridade of Mozambique, in the just ended games. I was shocked to be announced the best libero since competition was very tough as there were a lot of good players,” said the 21-year-old player.

Like any other player, he has lofty ambitions. The Bulawayo-based star hopes to play for big teams out of the country.

“I wish to play for big teams in countries like Brazil, USA, Egypt and I am greatly inspired by one Sergio, the Brazilian libero,” he said.

Chindumbo believes that Zimbabwe volleyball has a bright future and that in future it will be able to compete in big competitions.

“In five years’ time as a nation we will reach World Cup championships. We are not yet good enough to compete at those levels at the moment and it only takes time to reach there,” he said.

Chindumo’s former coach and national assistant coach Itsanang Abu Basuthu said that the libero has a bright future ahead of him and that he is the current best player in the country.

“He is a good player and a bright future lies ahead of him. The guy has worked so hard in the past years and he makes sure he wins in every game that he plays. I cannot deny that he is the best package in the nation so far,” said the Support Unit mentor.

The sky is the limit for the youngster who also want to study IT at Bulawayo Polytechnic College this year.