Volleyball star has world at her feet

Brighton Zhawi
JS HARARE’S inspirational player Tsungirirayi Taderera is living her dream. The 25–year old has just inspired her side to an historic sixth Harare Volleyball League title, has a number of clubs trailing her, and is the proud holder of a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree in International Purchasing and Transport from Chinhoyi University. Marriage is not yet on her radar. While everyone is lauding her as the power behind JS Harare’s impressive season which saw them only losing once, Taderera insists team work carried the day.

“Working together as a team made a huge difference,” she said. “Last year most of us were tied up at school but this time around we were all there and committed. Our game stepped up a lot. We started working on various attacking combinations and strategies and that made us unpredictable.”

However, Taderera admits to having played the ball of her life during this past campaign.
“My personal performance was extraordinary,” she said.

“I wasn’t 100 percent perfect but I played very well and contributed significantly to my team. My service errors reduced almost to none, my attack and defence were great, I wouldn’t complain about a thing.

“My communication on the court improved too. I used to be the silent one during play but have since learnt that communication is key.”
Taderera’s career can be traced back to Umvukwes Primary School in Mvurwi.

“I started playing volleyball when I was in Grade Five and then went to Murewa High School where I played as a centre, which I did enjoy much.
“In Form Two, the coach Mr Charakupa, changed me to an attacker. It worked well and I later became the best player at my school, leading the team to the national championship in 2008 when I was doing Upper Six.

“After high school I joined JS Harare, a team that made my game mature. Coach Martin (Dururu) took me through all the volleyball basics in what was a defining phase of my career.

“I was beginning to learn real volleyball now. In 2010 I played the college games and got selected to play in the Cusca and Zizama Games from 2010-2014.

“During this period I also played for (UZ) Wolves and won a gold medal in the 2014 Cusca Games and qualified for the World University Games in Korea. It is also great to have been part of the national team since 2011 it has been quite an experience,” she said.
Away from the court, Taderera has big dreams too.

“I want to do my Masters so I am currently looking for scholarships. I intend to have a logistics company in future by the grace of God; then marriage at a later stage,” said the first born in a family of four girls.
She wants to give back to volleyball, too.

“I will retire of course and join the technical team for JS Harare and help coach Martin with administration. I would also want to sponsor volleyball as well.”