adminVeronica Gwaze
AS a setter, he holds one of the most important and sometimes frustrating positions in volleyball, but University of Zimbabwe Wolves’ Steve Musabayana wouldn’t have it any other way.
The Wolves’ talisman recently played the tournament of his life; it was a true testament of his ability that he was voted best setter in the region, at the just ended Zone 6 Club Championships in Lilongwe, Malawi.
Prior to that, Musabayana earned similar awards in the Harare Volleyball League and the Zimbabwe Volleyball National League.
But, to him, these accolades are just the beginning of greater things to come.
Standing at 1,75metres, he is the country’s shortest, but most talented professional setter.
“I have been pushing myself hard to make my way up the ladder,” said the diminutive setter.
“It has not been an easy road; but I have kept pushing myself, as I have my eyes fixed on the top,” he narrated.
Musabayana is also a graduate in Health Education and Health Promotion in the Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences. Currently, he is studying towards a master’s degree in Population Studies.
With one hand in the medical profession; volleyball is the ultimate goal, and 2019 could be the year he has finally made his strides in the sport. Together with his team, UZ Wolves — who after two consecutive years of bringing home silver medals — finally laid their hands on the gold prize at the Zone Six games, Musabayana now hopes to make a similar impact on the continent.
The setter had to abandon rugby, soccer and tennis, due to an ankle injury, before making his first steps towards volleyball at Regina Coeli High School in Nyanga. Ironically, his first volleyball game, back then, was against Cornway, a college well known for producing big names like Douglas Choto, Deardricks Watch and Collin Peters.
“On that day I was so excited by the exchange of spikes between the two teams and I just said to myself, I belong by the nets,” said the Wolves setter.
“I used to play rugby, soccer and tennis before my calling on the volleyball court came.
“For me the game, now, actually feels like a calling. I fell in love with how it is a non-contact sport and how it requires a lot of teamwork,” said the vocal setter.
In 2013, he proceeded to Bernard Mzeki for his ‘A’ Level education; the very place where his love for the game was nurtured, and he decided to take it seriously.
Unlike most sciences students who do not have a keen interest in sporting activities, Musabayana would balance a combination of Mathematics, Biology and Chemistry together with sport.
“I made my volleyball debut in 2014 during my time at BMC. In 2015, I joined UZ Wolves when I enrolled as an undergraduate in Health Education and Health Promotion in the Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences.
“My first game for the Wolves was to come in 2016,” said the Warren Park-based star.
With three accolades to his name, Africa is next. Having qualified for the African Club Championships, slated for Tunisia early next year, Musabayana reckons it will be a time to shine again.
“Obviously, the opportunity comes with a lot of excitement to everyone,” went on Musabayana.
“It is going to be a clash of talent, but also the best platform for us to shine. It is not about personal glory, but everyone wants in on the international market,” he said.
His goals were given the stamp of approval by head coach Chekuda Makuyana, who described Musabayana as a dedicated and disciplined cadre.
“He is always willing to learn and ready to be corrected,” said Makuyana.
“A setter is like an engine, when it ceases to function the body cannot move and that is what Musabayana does for us. He is our engine,” said the coach.
Online Reporter