Online Reporter
Takudzwa Chitsiga
THE Zimbabwe volleyball youth teams returned home yesterday to a heroes welcome after their success at the African Union Sports Council AUSC Region 5 Games in Namibia.
The four teams brought medals, including gold.
Zimbabwe Volleyball Association president, Ndlovu, said the teams made the country proud.
“We are happy with the way the teams performed and we are looking forward to maintaining the core for continuity’s sake.
“The boys team managed to defend their gold medals, which they won in Malawi.
“The teams made us proud and we are now looking to upcoming games. I am grateful to the Government for the support and the platforms 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,” said Ndlovu.
Kudzai Bakaidza, the boys team head coach, said there was a lot of untapped talent in the country.
Patricia Riva, the head coach of the Under-19 girls’ team, said their mission was to win gold.
“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.
“They really fought hard.
“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 the 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.”
The girls’ volleyball team captain, Yvanna Dauramanzi, was ecstatic.
Beach volleyball team coach, Nyashadzashe Takawira, thanked the Government and the association for their 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 pitch but we did well,” said Takawira.
