adminVeronica Gwaze in Lilongwe, Malawi
THE University of Zimbabwe left its mark on the Zone Six Volleyball Championships in Malawi with its men’s team winning the tournament and a ticket to next year’s African Club Championships.
The Wolves managed to edge out fellow compatriots Harare City 3-2, with the two powerhouses qualifying for the continental showcase in Tunisia.
In the men category, Zambia’s Indeni emerged third while in the women category, University of Pedagogy and Tshwane University were first and second placed respectively. The University of Zimbabwe women’s team had to settle for the bronze.
In the men’s final, the match was a tight neck to neck race that had each side fighting for a share. It was third time lucky for UZ head coach Chekuda Makuyana, who feels vindicated to finally win the big one, having failed at the same stage in the last two editions.
“First, I want to congratulate the boys for putting up a good fight in the tournament that we had prepared so much for.
“With all the preparatory challenges we had, God knew what was going to happen and I am glad we managed to pull through.
“The boys stuck to game plan, did everything right as per agreement and I am happy they delivered,” said Makuyana.
Makuyana felt his charges had to use previous experiences to remain resilient to pressure to overpower Harare City who were playing in their first Zone VI finals.
“Harare City are a very strong team and playing against them has always required a lot of caution.
“Now, we have to focus on the big competition next year; and that means we will only break for the holidays, and resume training soon after,” he said.
Silver medallists head coach Itsanang Abu-Basutu conceded defeat.
“The boys were in their fine form, but because it was our first time in the finals, we lost to pressure.
“That experience is so important; and as we prepare for the next competition, we need to address some of weaknesses then build from there,” said Abu-Basutu.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter