On a dusty court, Patricia Muzokomba is building champions!

ON a dusty court where determination often outweighs resources, one volleyball coach is quietly shaping more than just athletes — she is building confidence, resilience and a new generation of empowered women. With every serve, every drill and every word of encouragement, her mission goes beyond the game, challenging long held barriers and creating space for young women to rise.

Driven by a deep belief in the transformative power of sport, she has become a pillar in her community, using volleyball as a tool to instil discipline, leadership and self worth. For her, success is not measured solely in wins and trophies, but in the courage of the girls she mentors — many of whom are discovering their voices and potential for the very first time.

In a society where opportunities for women in sport remain limited, her work stands as both inspiration and quiet revolution — proof that sometimes the most powerful change begins on a humble court, guided by a coach who dares to believe in others.

A trailblazing volleyball coach, former chairperson of Midlands Volleyball and a driving force behind girl child talent development, Patricia Muzokomba (45) has dedicated more than a decade of her life to growing volleyball as a tool for empowerment, discipline and opportunity.

From representing Zimbabwe on the court to mentoring the next generation, Patricia’s journey is a testament to her enduring passion for the sport.

As Head Coach of Riverside Volleyball Club and coach of the Zimbabwe Under 20 girls’ national team, she has consistently delivered results, including multiple medals at national tournaments.

Patricia’s mission extends beyond volleyball — she builds confidence, resilience and future leaders. Through her Diamonds Volleyball Club, she provides young women with a platform to shine.

With a FIVB Level 2 Coaching Certification and currently pursuing Level 3, Patricia continues to set the standard for excellence in coaching.

Empowering young athletes — particularly girls — through skill development, teamwork and character building remains her driving force.

Chronicle recently caught up with her in Gweru, and this is what she had to say.
“I am currently the Head Coach of the Zimbabwe National team Under 20 girls. My husband is my pillar of strength. He supported me from the start and he is still supporting me till now. When I am away, he looks after our children.

Our daughter is now 18 and the little boy is 10. The elder brother is 24 so they can manage with their father when I am away because I travel a lot,” she said, heaping praise on the solid family foundation supporting her career.

Patricia is a true architect of Midlands volleyball, a mentor to hundreds and a champion for gender equity in sport. Her legacy continues to inspire, changing the game one girl at a time.

But how did it all begin?
“I started playing volleyball when I was 15 years old. I was at Mambo High School in Gweru at the time. Later, at the age of 16, Mr Lonje, a former National Railways of Zimbabwe employee, identified my talent and introduced me to club volleyball. I joined Railton Cats Volleyball Club and started playing railway league which involved clubs in every city,” Patricia said.

She said the days of company run sports clubs that nurtured young talent are largely gone. Now, she explained, schools have taken over that role — but only while athletes remain enrolled.

“I would enjoy the train rides but eventually fell in love with the sport such that it became an addiction,” she chuckled.

A full time volleyball coach, Patricia is well travelled and eager to develop talent while pushing the sport to greater heights.

“I am a full-time volleyball coach working with different schools in Marondera. I once worked with Peter House, Nyameni Primary, RG Primary and currently I am working with Cherutombo High School,” she said.

Beyond her work with schools, Patricia revealed that she has also established her own club, Riverside Volleyball Club.
“The club consists of young girls and boys from the community and I have introduced a golden team which is for vulnerable girls like those who got pregnant while at school or those who were impregnated and were left with no one to support them. My main objective with the golden team is to help them get back on their feet through sport, get them involved and share ideas on how to build a balanced woman through volleyball,” she said.

Patricia said volleyball remains her lifelong passion and constant source of motivation.
Growing up on the dusty streets of Mtapa suburb in Gweru, she faced numerous challenges, but volleyball opened doors she had never imagined.

“It gave me opportunities to travel, and that’s how I met my husband – through the sport. I love volleyball because it allows me to give back, especially to girls. I am grateful for where I am today – volleyball kept me away from negative influences, and I have found a wonderful volleyball family across Zimbabwe,” she said.

Patricia said she is the first born in a family of four, adding that she has a twin brother, a sister and a younger brother.

“My brother is Jacob Muzokomba who plays soccer for PSL team TelOne FC, and my sister Mildred is a netball coach, so you can say sport runs in our family,” she said.

Speaking on player identification for the under 20 girls’ national team, Patricia explained that a selection panel travels around the country during tournaments, often assigning coaches to provinces to scout talent.

“We then set a date for trials for players from all 10 provinces. Volleyball is now one of the sports codes that schools are taking seriously, both Government and private schools,” she said.

Patricia said her greatest wish is to help girls and women rise and excel through volleyball.

“I would like to thank Midlands chair Ms Rudo Charuma, my chairperson here in Mashonaland East Mr Menzeis Makuvaro and my motherboard Zimbabwe Volleyball Association for giving us women the opportunity to become head coaches,” she said.

To young girls aspiring to succeed, her advice is simple yet powerful:
“Balancing sport and academics might be difficult, but it is about who you want to be and where you want to reach.

Be focused and determined. If you give it your all and believe in yourself, you can manage. I always tell my girls that there’s no doubt in sport – all you need is a little push and dedication.”