Andrew
Veronica Gwaze
FOR one of Zimbabwe’s most accomplished former volleyball players and rising coach, Tawanda Pamire, loyalty means everything.
With countless accolades under his belt, he is also one of well-disciplined volleyball characters whose on-court prowess won him a legion of fans over the years.
Pamire is also a certified sports administrator, sports scientist, development coach.
He also holds an Olympic Studies Diploma.
Ordinarily such a feat leaves clubs scrambling for his signature, but the volleyball heavyweight is not enticed by any of that.
In fact, he chooses to stay put at Harare City Volleyball club, a place he has known for most of his colorful volleyball life.
Recently, he was appointed as the club’s technical director, before another appointment onto Zimbabwe Volleyball Athletes Commission.
However, his journey with Harare City dates back to its formation in 2017, when he joined the then new baby from Jewel Stars.
That same year, he assumed captaincy, a position he held until 2018 when he retired.
Shortly after retirement, he was entrusted as the women’s side assistant coach and helped lead the team to the African Club Championships in Egypt.
In 2019, he was appointed head coach, leading his charges to Zone VI games in Lilongwe, Malawi.
“I believe if one wants to flourish then give yourself time to stay put and exercise your maximum potential in one space, which is exactly what I am doing,” he said.
“Harare City is home and home is the best platform I can be myself and grow at the same time.
“However, above all else is loyalty; if you are to make an impact at any club as a player or coach, then you cannot overlook that aspect of the game.”
Despite his appointment coming at a time when the sports fraternity was returning from the Covid-19 induced break, Pamire is ready to scale his side to new heights.
He is optimistic that his vast experience in the game will positively impact the club, which he hopes to transform into a formidable side.
During his time on court, Pamire earned a spot on the national team and made colorful appearances at various African Volleyball Confederation and Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) tours.
He was also part of the team that made it to the Italy World Cup qualifiers in Cameroon, in 2018, as the skipper.
Fittingly, his name is engraved on the Churchill Sports Hall of Fame.
“It has been quite a journey, but what is more important is using all that to create another generation of stars, however it is a process that needs patience and dedication,” he added.
“Harare City is committed to the development of volleyball, so I believe it is a safe space for me to focus on growth and as a technical director to also provide mentoring for the coaches, based on my experiences.
“A coach’s role is integral to the success of any player on and off the court and understanding that young athletes’ skills need time to develop.
“As a club, we are focusing on integrating all that.”
His dream is also to play an instrumental role in fostering the growth and development of volleyball around the country.
Assuming his technical director role at the club, his first task was to guide the municipality side to the 2021 Harare Volleyball League.
He reckons his biggest challenge was dealing with players’ mental fitness, as they were bouncing back from a two-year Covid-19 forced break.
Bagging gold with the women’s side, silver with the men and seven of the 12 individual awards, Pamire is a satisfied man.
His next target is the national league and Zone VI games to be held in Mozambique early next year.
“It will not be easy; the level of competition will be very intense especially at Zone VI, but our plan is simple; we will give it our best shot.
“However, sponsorship has always been a challenge and we hope well-wishers and corporates will come to our rescue to make all this a success.
To bolster the squad, the club is currently recruiting players for the 2022/23 indoor season.
Online Reporter