Zimbabwe Volleyball Association (ZVA) has unveiled its men's and women's national teams for the upcoming CAVB Zone VI Senior Nations Championship Qualifiers, with the tournament representing the country's first major step on the road to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
The qualifiers will be held in Harare from June 7 to 14, at Sunrise Sports Club, Belvedere, Harare, where Zimbabwe will battle against Malawi, Namibia, South Africa and Zambia for regional supremacy and valuable progress in the Olympic qualification pathway.
With the spotlight firmly on LA28, Zimbabwe's selectors have assembled experienced squads tasked with capitalising on home advantage in what is expected to be a fiercely contested tournament.
The men's team will be led by head coach Itsanangu Abubasutu, assisted by Gift Chirebvu and Munyaradzi Mavima. Farai Mboto is the team manager.
The squad features setters Trymore Nyakwangwa and Nigel Kadumba, liberos Kudzai Mazviro and Macklin Ramgwani, while the middle blockers include Takudzwa Mashaka, Nigel Banda, Kudakwashe Kandanda and Tatenda Karuma.
Michael Mapfumo and Charles Chitedzi have been named as opposites, with Matthew Msamanyada, Tanaka Hwara, Brian Muchena and Proud Nyoni completing the squad as outside hitters.
The women's team will be under the guidance of head coach Memory Dube, assisted by Lead-me Muhlohla and Prisca Mhuru. Febbie Dzomonda will serve as team manager.
Setters Jennifer Tembo and Tadiwa Chandenganga headline the squad, while Media Mafuta, Hellen Matinde, Lillian Chirande and Tracy Njanji have been selected as outside hitters.
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The middle blocker department comprises Melissa Marasha, Ashley Kuzvidza, Maud Karadzandima and Noreen Manhai. Nyengeterai Guyo and Conchita Matambudziko will operate as opposites, while Trish Gadza and Proceed Mkonto have been named as liberos.
Zimbabwe head into the tournament buoyed by preparations that included the recent Zim-Zam International Friendly Series in Lusaka, a programme specifically designed to sharpen the teams ahead of the high-stakes qualifiers.
South Africa are expected to pose the biggest threat, while Zambia, Malawi and Namibia will also be targeting qualification success in Harare.
For Zimbabwe, the tournament presents a rare opportunity to make a statement on home soil and strengthen their ambitions of remaining in contention for a place at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
With national pride and Olympic aspirations on the line, Harare is set to become the centre of regional volleyball as the race towards LA28 gathers momentum.
