Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWEAN clubs are ready to light up Polokwane, South Africa when this year’s edition of the Confederation of African Volleyball Zone VI volleyball club championships explodes into life next week.
The tournament is scheduled to run between December 9 and December 21, and Zimbabwe will be hoping to field eight teams.
Four men local powerhouses and an equal number of top-performing women’s teams are currently in camp, winding up preparations for the prestigious regional volleyball showcase.
The other countries expected to participate at the competition include Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Leso-tho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zambia.
Zimbabwe Volleyball Association secretary-general Priestledge Nhamburo said the local teams are primed for the tournament.
“Our teams’ preparations have been going well, they are all camped and have been busy with preparations in full throttle,” he said.
“Most of the teams are departing on Monday evening while others will travel on Tuesday.”
Tournament favourites UZ Wolves men will be joined by Chinhoyi University, Ruwa and Black Rhinos as they hope to defend their title.
Harare City, UZ Wolves Women, Chinhoyi University and Raven Claw will also be out to make an impact on the big stage.
Nhamburo notes that having eight teams representing Zimbabwe reflects their ongoing efforts to stabilise a code that often lacks visibility and consistent support.
This, he said, is important because Zone Six doubles as a proving ground for systems, scouting and rebuilding depth for clubs.
“We are in the process of developing volleyball and when our clubs get an opportunity to participate at this level, we get to learn a lot from established leagues.”
“Our aim is to take volleyball to every corner of Zimbabwe and be able to produce talent which we can export.
“We have a few players who are doing duty out there, we want the numbers to increase and for us to be able to make volleyball a viable business.” This year’s tourney has also seen an increase in the number of teams with University of Zambia men’s side the latest addition.
Three formidable women’s teams — Botswana’s BDF VI, Prison Leopards from Zambia, and AAM of Mozambique — have also joined the competition.
Their participation has significantly enhanced the tournament, which is already rich in quality, raising fans’ expectations.
“We need as much competition as we can because it will work for the good of our local game.
“While aiming to bring silverware back home, we also want our teams to gain exposure and for our players to be able to market themselves on the big stage.”
UZ Wolves men and UP Maputo women from Mozambique, remain the teams to beat in the competition.
Last year, the competition was held in Botswana and Zimbabwe; UZ Wolves and Highlanders clashed in the final with the former snatching gold via a 3-1 victory.
Wolves had previously only managed a bronze medal finish in the regional tournament. Several UZ Wolves players received individual awards for their outstanding performances. Panashe Sangonya was named the “Most Valuable Player” and “Best Attacker” of the tournament while Tafadzwa Kapfunde emerged the Best Blocker and Nigel Kadumba was crowned as the Best Setter.
“It shows that we have a lot of potential to produce volleyball stars in Zimbabwe . . . the crowning moment was our major highlight last year.
“We are looking forward to our clubs dominating once again and raising our national flag.
“With such outstanding performances, we can have more sponsors coming on board and also popularise our game because this is largely what we are aiming for,” Nhamburo said.
