University of Zimbabwe “Wolves” put celebrations on ice

By Thomas Mangwiro

UZ WOLVES are not reaching for the celebration champagne yet after underlining their dominance of women basketball by lifting the Harare Volleyball League title.

The Wolves won the league in style, walloping their fiercest rivals and defending champions Support Unit 3-0 in the title decider and last match of the season.

However, with the Confederation of Universities and Colleges of Southern Africa (CUCSA) games coming up in a few week’s time, the team’s coach, Erasmus Mupukuta, highlights that there is no time to celebrate the HVL triumph.

“Naturally, we are elated by winning the HVA championships. The players acquitted themselves very well during the campaign. They exhibited a lot of maturity and tenacity throughout the season.

“We are currently in camp for the CUCSA games to be played in Zambia. The success in the league has boosted the morale in the camp and we have intensified our preparations for the Zambia tour.

“After the Lusaka games there is the national league in September and of course we would want to defend our title, so as much as we would want to celebrate the HVA championship, we have a lot on our hands . . . the region V games are also around the corner,” he said.

For Wolves winning is not enough, added the gaffer.

“The University of Zimbabwe is a learning institution and the club takes pride in teaching volleyball. We believe we can succeed if we have knowledge. Knowledge, integrity and diligence have been the cornerstone of our success.

“Our broad aim is to contribute significantly and positively to the development of volleyball in Zimbabwe. The best way of achieving this is to play well and inspire youngsters. We also strive to produce responsible citizens among our players and staff.

“Conquering on the global stage is our ultimate goal. The Wolves brand has been tried, tested and approved on the local scene and now it’s time to take it to the global stage,” said Mupukuta.

Wolves came into the season with a hungry team that included their unsung hero Progress Gasa, the charismatic Brenda Mubvumbi, veteran Portia Chiwetu, Christine Manyanya, Charity Madlangobe, Charity Chikore, Vena Dick and talismanic Thelma Zvavamwe.