adminNgqabutho Moyo Sports Reporter
Railstars won the Zimbabwe Open Men’s Volleyball Tournament after they beat Thornhill Eagles 2-0 at Raylton Club at the weekend.
Twelve men’s teams participated in the event with teams drawn into two pools.
The top two in each side qualified for the semi-finals.
Railstars met Midlands State University (MSU) in the semi-finals whom they beat 2-0 to book a place in the final against Thornhill Eagles who had edged UJ Powers 2-1.
The Bulawayo lads came into the tournament as defending champions.
Meanwhile, in the women’s category the final could not be played because of bad lighting with Highlanders and newly formed Spartan coached by Vulindlela Moyo through to the final.
There were seven women’s teams in the tournament namely Bulawayo Spartans, ZRP Raiders, Eveline High School, Diamonds, ZRP Gwanda, Highlanders and the Midlands State University.
The three top placed teams and the best placed runner-ups proceeded to the semi-finals.
Railstars and the women’s champions will each receive a floating trophy and a shield.
Bulawayo Volleyball Association (BVA) chairman William Mazviro declared the event as a success.
“It was a wonderful tournament and as an association, we’re happy because a good number of teams managed to travel to Bulawayo,” said Mazviro.
“Despite the postponement of the women’s final, the event was a success and we’ve seen some new teams, we’re humbled by the passion demonstrated by the participating clubs.”
Results
Semi-finals
Men: MSU 0-2 Railstars, Thornhill Eagles 2-1 UJ Powers
Women: ZRP Raiders1-2 Highlanders, Spartans 2-0 Diamonds
Final
Men: Railstars 2-0 Thornhill Eagles
Women: Postponed to Saturday
Online Reporter