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Gerald Sibanda, Sports Reporter
MATTHEW Msamanyada has been an inspirational figure for his team, as his performances have been vital in his side’s recent success.
The 26-year-old spiker who also captains the side has had a fruitful career which, has seen him collect many individual accolades.
He was the most valuable player in this year’s Zimbabwe Open Tournament which was held at Hillside Teachers College in Bulawayo, a tournament in which he also led his team to victory, after a memorable 3-0 win against their rivals from Harare and present leaders of the Zimbabwe Premier Volleyball National League (ZVPL), NABA.
Msamanyada has represented Zimbabwe at junior level and awaits to see if he will make the cut for the upcoming senior national team for the Zone 6 Championships which will be hosted by Zimbabwe this year.
He also represented Zimbabwe and Highlanders last year at the Southern African Club Championships where he led the club to a fifth place finish out of 18 which were participating.
With that finish they became the second best team to excel at that level after Unit Fairbridge won the 1993 Championships held in Zambia.
The skipper, also spoke of the lessons he and his team will take to the next round of the Premier National Volleyball League which will be held in Chinhoyi University of Technology.
“I believe we are a good side. We just have to bring out the best out of each other as a team if we want to dominate in the Premier League.”
The Premier League is played by top teams from respective provinces and Bulawayo was represented by Highlanders and Chimoio.
Msamanyada and his team will not entirely be happy with how the league has unfolded so far, as they are third on the log standings after a recent 2-3 loss to rivals, UZ Wolves.
They sit third in the ZVPL log, three points away from leaders NABA and they will hope to gain as many points as possible in Chinhoyi.
The big statured player also spoke of how much he takes care of his body through his daily habits.
“I am a fitness addict and I think that is what makes me who I am right now. I also carry myself like a professional athlete and I think that is also one thing that helps me maintain my appearance and performances.”
Highlanders are the only surviving top Bulawayo side having been formed in 1989 by a crop of former high school opponents who included Danisa Masuku, Vulindlela Moyo, Francis Moyo, Vulindlela, the late Augustine Ngulube, Membe Phiri and Justin Sibanda.
Apart from the local league in Matabeleland, Highlanders tasted their first tournament victories in 1993, the Pre-Season Tournament and the Anniversary Cup.
They have had in their books top players like Qinisa Fuyana, Sikhumbuzo Gwala, Vulindlela Moyo, Fortune Sithole-Ndlovu, Edson ‘Givi’ Sibanda, Thulani Maphosa and Itsa Abu Basuthu.
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