Pump more, run further

Brighton Zhawi
THE history making UZ Wolves plan to add gym work to their daily lives while Naba are set to run a little bit further as both teams prepare for the African Volleyball Club Championships. The continental showcase is set for May in either Egypt or Rwanda.Wolves became the first female team from Zimbabwe to reach the Zone VI Club Championships’ final while Naba followed in the footsteps of Support Unit and Jewels when they reached the finals of the regional competition.

The locals’ efforts in Namibia last month earned them tickets to the continental club championships and both teams are keen on doing well despite qualifying as runner ups.

Wolves lost 0-3 to Mafolofolo of Botswana, while Police XI also from Botswana edged Naba 3-2 in the respective finals.Wolves coach Jonathan Gava said his charges now appreciate what it takes to play at such a high level.

“Making history is a good feeling, we will be the first ladies team from Zimbabwe to play at this level and I am promising you we won’t come last,” he said.

“The girls have since realised that life is tough at this level and seeing how top teams from Botswana use power play, they have decided to hit the gym.

“At first they were not keen on doing some gym work, but I am glad we will add some of that in our preparations this year.”

The Wolves regroup this week.

“We will be having three to four days of training, but next month we will be having daily training sessions,” revealed Gava.Naba coach Shadreck Chisoko said hard work will be the theme when they resume training.

“We have to continue working hard,” he said.“We showed we are capable of doing big things through how we played at the Zone VI Championships, but we have to continue working for the dream.

“We will also put more attention on skills, it’s a critical area of the game. We were doing road runs after training sessions and I am sure the distance will be longer this time around.”