Mhetu addicted to volleyball

RADIOS MHETU cuts a lanky and uninspiring figure off the volleyball court.

However, when it’s time to do business all that vanishes as the 33-year-old Support Unit volleyball team skipper shows why he is among the leading figures in the local game.

Mhetu is sure in his movements and solid in his block.

One of the oldest local volleyball players, Jangola, as Mhetu is called by his teammates, is expected to lead his team during their maiden Continental Club Championship appearance in Tunisia next month.

The tourney runs from March 5-17 in Sousse and Mhetu is relishing the challenge.

“I am looking forward to performing better than I did at the Zone VI Club Championships in Mozambique. I have been working hard on my physique, blocking techniques and combinations with the setters,” said the veteran player, who scooped the best blocker accolade during the Mozambique tournament last December.

Leading his team to a historic Regional Club Championships final in Mozambique was a success story Mhetu will forever cherish.

It was the first time in three attempts that the policemen reached the final, which they, however, lost 0-3 (22-25, 21-25, 19-25) to three-time champions Autoridade de Tributaria of Mozambique.

In 2012, Support Unit crashed out in the quarter-finals in Zambia, before another disappointing early exit in Botswana the following year.

Reaching last year’s finals saw them becoming the first local side to do so since Bulldogs in 2007.

For the 1,91-metre tall Mhetu, all this success is surreal. This is a man who had no interest in volleyball.

It had to take persuasion from some of his seniors in the Zimbabwe Republic Police for him to ‘‘try’’ the sport. He tried, liked it and became a volleyball ‘‘addict’’.

“Honestly speaking, I never dreamt of playing at club level, let alone being rated as one of the best players in the domestic league,” Mhetu confesses.

“Moreover, playing three times at the regional champs has been amazing; I still cannot believe I am part of the team that will be participating at the continental showcase next month.

“Growing up, I enjoyed playing soccer. When I joined ZRP, I was posted to Support Unit and my then officer-in-charge, Inspector Musokeri, encouraged me to play this game.

“However, it was in 2009 that I joined the club at the insistence of the then coaches Frank Ngandu and Tendai Matema and senior players like Job Mukonja, Gaize, Mushoriwa and Sharara and Magwenzi, among others.

“At first I did not believe in myself, but was surprised to realise how quick I learned the basics. The support I got from coaches, friends and even opponents inspired me.

“In a year, I transformed from being a volleyball player into a volleyball addict. I have never looked back ever since,” said the player who grew up in Mufakose and Mabvuku. Next up is a tougher challenge for Mhetu and his lads, but the blocker believes despite being debutants, Gondo Harishayi will live up to their nickname.

“As new kids on the block, getting past the group stage will be great, but as you know our team is full of surprises; we can even go further because all the guys are raring to go. We have surpassed expectations before and we can do so at this tourney too,” a confident Mhetu said.