Online Reporter
Takudzwa Chitsiga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE Volleyball Association president Mxolisi Ndlovu has praised the volleyball youth teams for outstanding performances at the African Union Sports Council AUSC Region 5 Games in Namibia.
The teams arrived back in Harare yesterday.
The four teams, which comprised volleyball and beach volleyball Under-19 boys and girls’ teams, managed to bring home four medals.
Both boys’ teams won gold medals, girls volleyball team brought home a bronze medal while the girls beach volleyball team scooped silver.
Speaking after their arrival, the association president, Mr Ndlovu, said the boys and girls made the country proud, and the country now has a foundation for future glory.
“We are happy with the way the teams performed and we are looking forward to maintain the core (of the team) for continuity’s sake. The boys team managed to defend their gold medals which they won in Malawi, so were the girls,” said Ndlovu.
“The teams did us proud and we are now looking to upcoming games. I am grateful to the Government for the support and the platforms to give young athletes opportunities to develop their talents.
“We need to continue working hard and make sure that we remain a powerhouse in volleyball circles.”
Kudzai Bakaidza, the boys head coach, said he is happy that the team did well and there is a lot of untapped talent in the country.
Head coach for the under-19 girls, Patricia Riva said they aimed to bring home the gold medal, but they are happy to have been on the podium.
“We went there hoping to bring gold, but unfortunately, it was not our chance. I am really, really happy with the performance of my girls,” she said.
“They really fought hard. We were trailing behind Malawi in the third set, they were leading with six points. The girls fought hard and we won the set. So, I’m really happy about the way they played.
“We lost to South Africa not because they were good, but we need to go back to the drawing board so that we can deal with the mental strength of a girl child.
“Bringing home something like bronze was my wish. I didn’t want to come back empty-handed so, I’m happy that I’ve come back home with something to present to my president, to my parents and to our families.
“I would like to thank the association and the parents for the support that they gave us. And the support they gave to our girl child. You know, dealing with a girl, you need to be strong.
“I think this is the future for the national team . . . I’m hopeful that our association will create a programme to keep this team together,” said Riva.
The girls’ volleyball team captain Yvanna Dauramanzi was ecstatic and said they worked as a team and are “looking forward to more tournaments.”
Beach volleyball team coach Nyashadzashe Takawira thanked the Government and association for the support.
“We are happy that we excelled over teams like Namibia, Mozambique and South Africa who have beach volleyball facilities. We used to train at Mkushi Training camp on an artificial pit, but we did well,” said Takawira.
