Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze-Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE Volleyball League champions UZ Wolves’ title defence quest is firmly on track, having already established themselves as the frontrunners in the 2025 campaign.
The university men’s side are currently perched at the top of the log table with 17 points in 6 games, while Black Mambas occupy the second position with 14.
Under the mentorship of Gift Chirebvu, UZ Wolves are yet to taste defeat this season.
Despite being charmed by such a pleasant run, Chirebvu notes that his side need to remain calm and focused on their mission.
“I am excited and proud to be at the top of the log table because it is a reflection of the hard work, discipline, and team spirit that we have invested in.
“However, we are seated in a dangerous spot so we need to stay focused with our eyes on the prize.
“The marathon is still fairly young, every team still has a lot to play for in the season, the race is wide open so we should be careful and take it one game at a time,” Chirebvu said.
With the highly-anticipated Zone Six Games drawing closer, Chirebvu is also strategically leveraging their league fixtures as crucial preparations for the regional tournament in December.
After bagging the championship in 2024, UZ Wolves automatically qualified to represent Zimbabwe at the Zone Six games.
The regional contest will run between December 9 and 22 in Polokwane, South Africa. UZ Wolves will be joined by three more teams from Zimbabwe and other powerhouses from across the region, to battle for silverware.
Chirebvu said every match played now serves as a vital opportunity to fine-tune their strategies, enhance team cohesion and build the necessary momentum to compete effectively on the regional stage.
Their consistent performance in ZVA, he said, has instilled confidence within the team as they get tested in a highly competitive league.
“If we are winning games like this, it shows that we are making meaningful progress in our preparations,” he said.
“Our league is very competitive; we are weighing ourselves in a very challenging environment so thriving like this means that we have all it takes to make an impact at the Zone Six games.”
Meanwhile, Black Mambas are also riding high in the women’s campaign.
Currently they occupy the top spot on the log standings with 18 points in six games jointly with Ravenclaw and UZ Wolves Women.
Head Coach Kudzanai Chironga is cautious, citing that they are currently in a precarious position which needs them to stay focused.
“The competition is fierce, and we find ourselves tied with two other teams at the top,” he said.
“This situation needs us to intensify our efforts and create a lead over our rivals to be safe.
“UZ Wolves have won the championship before so they are well vexed with the marathon demands; if we are not careful they can overtake us anytime hence we have to remain focused.”
Black Mambas boasted their squad at the start of the season, bringing in celebrated talent Nyengeterai Guyo, a character who has dominated the local scenes for seasons.
The coming in of Guyo appears to be paying off as the police outfit has already transformed, becoming the team to beat.
Chironga applauded the experience that the powerhitter brings to the team.
However, he said it is crucial for his charges to remain consistent in collecting points and also to guard against potential setbacks.
In light of this, the youthful coach notes that he is focusing on strategies that will allow his team to cement themselves at the top of the table.
“Any slip up means we find ourselves second or third on the table so we have no room for those mistakes,” he said.
“Right now, we are fully focused on sharpening our skills, tactics and combinations to ensure we stay on course.”
Peter Tanyanyiwa