adminRicky Zililo Sports Reporter
THE Zimbabwe senior men and women’s national volleyball teams started a three-day training camp yesterday in preparation for next month’s African Games qualifiers set for Botswana. Five countries – Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Zambia, Swaziland and the host Botswana will compete at the qualifiers from May 4-11.
Vulindlela Moyo, the senior women’s national team coach is confident that his charges will qualify for the continental Games set for Brazzaville, Congo later this year.
The top two teams in each category will earn tickets to represent the African Union Region Five at the continental competition.
“Our chances of making it for the African Games finals look bright. From our understanding South Africa and Angola won’t be taking part because they failed to confirm their participation status. On that note, we just have to make sure that we prepare accordingly and get the girls to be in the right mindset,” Moyo said.
The advantage that Moyo has is that most of the players that have been called into the national team have been together for some time. They are on the same wavelength in terms of understanding the coach’s tactics and the game.
Among seasoned national women’s team players in camp are Viola Muchaoona, Nomagugu Dube, Proceed Mkonto, Kudzai Chireka and Prenade Makumborenga.
In the men’s category, Japan based McMurray Ndlovu and Conrad Kupara will lead Zimbabwe’s campaign.
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe senior men and women’s beach volleyball teams are in Mozambique for the African Games qualifiers.
In a telephone interview from Maputo yesterday, the Zimbabwe Volleyball Association secretary-general Ringisai Mapondera said the national teams were raring to go.
“We arrived here on Thursday and the teams had their practice sessions today (yesterday). The qualifiers are only a day and by end of Saturday (today) we will be knowing our fate,” said Mapondera.
“However, both teams are raring to go and are confident of sailing through. It will be tough but they have vowed to fight their hearts out.”
Provisional national team squads
Men: Douglas Choto, Simbarashe Chidziva, Kudzai Sibangani, Keith Machakaire, Tawanda Mafuwa, Collin Peters, McMurray Ndlovu, Meffrey Chindumbo, Cuthbert Sixpence, Trymore Nyakwanga, Conte Kupara, Misheck Mutambirwa, Trevor Sibanda, Mduduzi Mazunze
Women: Nomagugu Dube, Eunice Tsvura, Thelma Zvavamwe, Charity Madlangobe, Prenade Makumborenga, Viola Muchadona, Tsungirirai Taderera, Nozinhle Khumalo, Viena Dick, Melody Ncube, Kudzai Chareka, Mary Matsheza, Thembela Chanza, Chido Maisiri, Charity Chikore, Media Mafuta, Plaxedes Gatote, Proceed Mkonto, Lavender Riva
Zimbabwe Beach Volleyball Teams in Mozambique
Men: Nyashadzashe Takawira, Kudzai Nigel Sibangani,Rufaro Douglas Choto, Keith Emmerson Machakaire, Simbarashe Chidziva
Women: Progress Gasa, Meedia Mafuta, Tsungirirai Taderera and Viola Muchaoona.
Online Reporter