Zim keen to impress in Namibia

Brighton Zhawi

Zimbabwe’s representatives at the Zone Six Volleyball Club Championships are keen to shine at the regional competition slated for Namibia next month. Top clubs from the region will converge at The Dome Sports Complex in Swakopmund from December 10 to 17 for the premier club competition.Zimbabwe will be represented by 2014 finalists Support Unit and Naba in the men’s category; while for the women’s hope will be pinned on UZ Wolves and Support Unit.UZ Wolves coach Jonathan Gava expects his team to fight.

“We started our preparations last month, with the National League and Region V, and so far so good,” he said. “We hope to do better because we also have experienced players like, Brenda Mubvumbi whose ingenuity and shear presence can take us to the next level.

“The National League has given much needed game time and a chance to prepare for the regional games. The last time we came fifth in Swaziland, but we hope to do better this time around,” said Gava.

He added: “We don’t really have players recruited specifically for this tournament, but we have two players who are first years at the university and we have had about six months preparing them for a big event. One of them is an outside player, Melody Moyo, and the other a middle blocker, Lisa Nyamdela.”

Itsalang Abu Basutu, the Support Unit men’s team coach, has set his sights on the title.

“We are preparing and the boys know what is expected of them. They have been there before and we recently failed to defend our Harare Volleyball Association League title, but we are still a good team.

“Our target is clear, we want to win it. We have been in the finals before and lost; so this time we really want to lift it,” he said.

For Naba, who will be making a third appearance at the competition, the aim is a top three finish.

“The preparations are going on well. Despite financial challenges, we will be in Namibia. We aim to break into the top three this year. Team depth is our greatest strength with a blend of youthfulness maturity,” said coach Shadreck Chisoko.