Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE’S junior men’s volleyball team are out of the African Nations Championships in Egypt after a 3–1 quarterfinal loss to Cameroon yesterday, but the performance offered a glimpse of a promising future.
The youthful side squeezed into the second round as the lowest ranked team in Group A, a tough pool that included Egypt, Algeria and Uganda. Their reward was a meeting with Cameroon, the unbeaten leaders of Group B.
“Despite the disappointment of early exit, as a rebuilding nation, our eyes are on exposure and lessons,” said head coach Kudzai Bakayidza. “In this match, the boys looked very much improved and I am impressed with the progress they have made in the few days that we have been here.”
Bakayidza’s team now switches focus to placement matches for positions five to eight. He believes the experience in Cairo will accelerate their long term rebuild.
“High level play has helped us highlight areas for improvement and growth, which is crucial for the development of the team,” he said. “As we prepare for the placement games, we need to regroup quickly and sharpen the weak points. The players must also know there is still a chance to showcase their skills and secure a respectable finish. The experience gained here will definitely serve as a foundation for future competitions.”
Zimbabwe is introducing a new generation of players after almost two decades in which national efforts centred mainly on club competitions. For many in this squad, it was a first taste of international action.
Captain Charles Chitedzi, an 18-year-old on a volleyball scholarship at St Collins High School, anchored the defence and showed flashes of leadership that lifted the team. He said the tournament has strengthened their belief.
“It is not every day that an opportunity to play on such a stage comes, so as a player you just need to up your game and showcase your talent,” said Chitedzi.
“While it is a learning platform for the team, as individual players we are also picking valuable lessons. We may be facing losses at the moment, but looking at where we are coming from, it is a matter of time before we improve and rise to be a force.”
He added that wearing national colours carries a deep personal meaning.
“I have learnt that when we play at such a platform it ceases to be about myself but for Zimbabwe, so you wouldn’t want to be remembered as the team that disgraced the nation,” Chitedzi said.
“This is just the beginning for us. I believe we have a lot to offer because you can see the potential is there. When we came here we had no confidence at all, we didn’t know what to expect but notably we have improved a lot.”
Bakayidza shares his captain’s optimism. Though the title bid is over, he sees the exposure and lessons from Egypt as the real victory, setting the stage for Zimbabwe’s return as a stronger force in African volleyball.
