adminfestival title yesterday morning.
The Bulldogs have won the title since inception two years ago and got a timely boost ahead of their departure when they defended their National Association of Secondary Schools Heads volleyball title for the sixth time in a row.
Churchill are in good spirits after recording a sixth consecutive win in the Under-19 tournament that was held at Mtshabezi High School in Gwanda at the weekend.
While the Bulldogs were celebrating their historic achievement, all was not well for Mashonaland East representatives Dendera Secondary School from Mudzi District who were literally in tears.
Dendera’s players were barred from taking part in the tournament as they all did not have their national identity cards on them.
“It is so painful that a team qualifies here for the first time and they are not allowed to take part because they did not have proper identity particulars.
“They came all the way after qualifying to represent their province as they were better than the likes of Marondera and Visitation who are known for their volleyball skills. But when they got here they are denied access to play in the tournament with a recognised national document,” said one of the coaches at the tournament.
Twelve teams took part in both the boys and girls categories with all the 10 provinces represented and were joined by the hosts and the defending champions.
Runners-up Mazowe Boys High played Mutare Boys in the other semi final and won 2-1. The final saw Churchill winning the five sets 3-2 to take the trophy home for the sixth time in a row.
Churchill coach Arron Mutede expressed satisfaction with the performance of his team and said this will help them during the South African tour.
“The win at the weekend will work as a morale booster for our team as we seek to win the ISSA tournament for the third time in a row. We have good players with two of our players Charles
Nyamasve and Trevor Sibanda being voted most valuable player and best blocker respectively at the NASH finals. The tournament will also help as a cultural exchange platform as we will meet people from different countries,” Mutede said.
The ISSA tournament will feature countries like Zimbabwe, South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Swaziland, Lesotho, Mozambique and Namibia.
Churchill Team
Charles Nyamasve (Captain), Trevor Sibanda, Robert Kanyongo, Charles Mhaka, Sasha Nhira, Kelvin Museke, Lewis Suraji, Benjaman Kurwaisimba, Munashe Nyamukondiwa, Tapiwa Mutero and
Promise Chinake.
Coach: Mutede Arron
Manager: Paul Kaunda
Trainer: Faith Chinomona
Medic: Juiter Mangwanga.
Online Reporter