Ruwa Volleyball Club manager Thulisani Zarima, has expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance at the Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB) Zone VI Senior Indoor Club Championship in Polokwane, South Africa, held last December.
Participating in their first ever regional championships, Zarima told Fanzone that the team exceeded expectations and put up a great showing in an experience he dubbed an “eye opener” for them.
”Ruwa as debutants at the zone 6 games in Polokwane South Africa performed well, it was an eye opener on a number of areas particularly the type of courts for indoor volleyball,” Zarima said.
The team, dubbed the “Green Team,” had a remarkable outing, winning three games and losing one, finishing top of their group.
Although they lost to fellow Zimbabwean club Black Rhinos in the round of 16, they bounced back to finish 13th out of 20 teams, defeating Redskins of Lesotho and Namibia Police 3-0 each in placement matches.
Zarima highlighted the need for proper sports facilities to match international standards so that the gap between local clubs and regional clubs is not far when they meet at regional tournaments.
“Our institutions need to invest in proper sports facilities for our teams to be at par with other regional teams,” said Zarima.
He also emphasized the importance of preparation, citing lack of resources as a challenge they faced in Polokwane.
“Enough preparation is key for such tournaments, which something that affected us because of lack of resources,” said Zarima.
Regarding corporate support, Zarima appealed to companies to back the team, “We call upon the corporate world to support the team as it seeks a second dance at the same tournament in Namibia later on this year,”added Zarima.
The tournament was won by University of Zimbabwe Wolves, the defending champions.
Ruwa Volleyball Club is eyeing a second appearance at the tournament in Namibia later on this year.
