Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE Volleyball Association will be hoping to build for the future when they host Zambia in some highly-anticipated international friendlies at Sunrise Sports Club in Harare this weekend.
It is the first time in two decades that the hosts will be involved in international friendlies.
The matches will feature Zimbabwean senior men and women’s teams against their Zambian counterparts, while there will also be action for the junior national teams, who will participate as invitational sides.
Both the men and women’s coaches have expressed excitement at getting the opportunity to dust off some cobwebs.
“The anticipation surrounding the ‘tournament’ is immense because we last took part in international friendlies in 2005, in Botswana,” said senior women’s team coach Nyashadzashe Takawira.
“International friendlies are also an opportunity for us to showcase the progress we have made in the sport in Zimbabwe.
“However, the tournament’s primary goal is to provide the young players an opportunity to showcase their skills and potentially earn spots in the senior teams’’.
The friendlies will also act as a preparatory platform for players, as they build up towards Zone Six games scheduled for December.
Takawira said the matches are also designed to create room for competition and give players some international exposure.
“At this stage, teams are starting to prepare for the prestigious Zone Six games coming soon so it’s important for players to use the friendlies to their advantage.
“For some time, we had forgotten about national teams, so this is a way for ZVA to revive the teams.”
Senior men’s coach Itsanang Abu Basutu is making encouraging noises about the talent in his camp.
He believes that these games will serve as a platform for assessing teams’ strengths and areas for improvement, ultimately contributing to domestic volleyball development.
“I am happy with the organisation and readiness of our teams as we approach these crucial friendlies…we got short preparation time but it was productive,” he said.
“Our players have shown massive commitment, making our practice sessions worthwhile.
“If they are going to be able to replicate that during the games, I am sure we will emerge as winners but above all, friendlies are all about lessons.”
The coach is confident that the Zimbabwean teams will rise to the occasion and make a strong impression against their Zambian counterparts.
The decision to have friendlies with Zambia was largely motivated by the opportunity to compete with a regional powerhouse.
“Zambia will provide valuable competitive experience,” added Abu Basutu.
“We are working hard to make sure that we match them, and so, far everything has been going on well, 99-percent of our work was about the physical preparation and making sure that we speak in one language as a team.
“Now we just fine tune the tactical aspect on individuals, and the progress is notable so come Saturday, we are ready.”
To support Volleyball development, ZVA will also be selling replica kits for US$15 each.
From each sale, a dollar will be directed to the Zimbabwe Volleyball National Team Fund.
This fund, together with gate takings are specifically earmarked for the National U-20 men’s team, who are set to compete at the African Nations Championships in Egypt later this year.
“We are also using the friendlies as an opportunity for us to fundraise for the juniors,” said ZVA.
“Currently their scheduled Egypt trip hangs in the balance and we are running around to put funds together and give the youngsters the privilege to showcase their talent on the global stage.”
