adminSikhumbuzo Moyo
CRACKS have emerged at the Zimbabwe Volleyball Association ahead of next week’s Sub-Zonal World Cup qualifiers to be held in Malawi following the controversial dropping of top player Conrad Kupara. Kupara, arguably the best volleyball player in the country was a surprise omission from the list of players that are in camp preparing for the Games. He was told not to report for camp when he was already in Gweru on his way to Harare despite the fact that ZVA had sent him transport money.
Following the publication of the story by Chronicle on Wednesday, ZVA vice president Competitions and National Teams Chris Chivinge claimed that there was no malice in dropping the Bulawayo based player, who was voted into the 2012 Zone Six volleyball squad but instead Zimbabwe was sending a developmental squad to Malawi.
“It’s not true that he was dropped, we are sending a developmental squad for future tournaments. You should write correct things also. Kupara has never been a captain of the national team but you claim otherwise and already talk within ZVA is that the story was written on tribal lines because the boy is from Bulawayo,” said Chivinge.
During the course of the interview, Chivinge said since they were sending a developmental side, there was no longer any reason for Kupara to report for camp as he was already late, despite the fact that camp had started on Sunday.
However, another ZVA executive member said it was a big shock within the association that Kupara was dropped for such a crucial tournament.
“I think the issue was not handled well because we need to qualify for the next stage. These are world championship qualifiers you know, we need the best players. Why call a player and reject him. It’s a surprise really,” said the executive member.
The only foreign based player in the men’s team is Panashe Chiguta who plays in South Africa.
Zimbabwe will battle it out with Namibia, Zambia and the host Malawi in the competition which will runs from 24-27 July.
Renowned coaches Artwell Gororo and Vulindlela Moyo are in charge of the men’s and women’s teams.
Squads
Men: Tawanda Pamire, Douglas Choto, Trymore Nyakwanga, Bruce Mpofu, Brighton Mukunzi, Andy Kawadza, Mduduzi, Radois Medu, Panashe Chiguta, Charles Nyamaswe, Kudzai Mudenge, Trevor Sibanda, Detrick Watch
Women: Rejoice Mususu, Prenade Makumbokurenga, Proceed Mkhonto, Thembela Chanza, Nomagugu Dube, Thelma Zvavamwe, Nyengeterai Guyo, Media Mafuta, Unit Tsuro, Nozinhle Khumalo, Kudzai Chareka, Tsungirirai Taderera, Norah Mangwanda, Shamiso Zhou, Mercy Maisiri, Mary Macheza, Vimbai Chawasarira, Talent Nyororai
Online Reporter