Clive Thabo Dube
Sports Reporter
VOLLEYBALL in the city of Bulawayo is one of the sports that are being suffocated by the insignificant volumes of corporate sponsorship that are flowing into the sports industry. The sport is currently surviving on the little funds that are sourced from some actors within the volleyball fratenity, some of these people actually use personal funds to keep the sport afloat.
According to the Bulawayo Volleyball Association (BVA) Secretary General Munyaradzi Chigudu, the sport is actually on the rise in popularity. A development which should be complimented by corporate support.
“The previous league seasons have been fair although Covid-19 gave us a setback but generally we can say Volleyball is very much active and progressing in Bulawayo. We usually have more than five competitive teams in the league which consists of social, community, institutional clubs (NUST, Bulawayo Polytechnic, ZRP) and sometimes schools (Luveve High School) come and participate in our league,” said Chigudu.
“Volleyball is mostly about passion, most of the people who participate in volleyball activities have passion for volleyball. These people will make sure to attend the games despite financial challenges and unfavorable locations. Some individuals go to the extent of offering assistance to struggling players.” He added.
Chigudu told Zim GBC News that the best Volleyball facilities are at White City Stadium and Milton High School. However their locations are not favorable to most players.
“We have less corporate support, our venues are not favorable and geographical location of some is a disadvantage to us due their distance. There will be no direct transport to the venues.” Said Munyaradzi Chigudu.
Other venues that the BVA uses are Raylton Sports Club, Luveve High School, White City Stadium, ZRP Drill- Hall which is not readily available and Khanyisile Sports Center.
Meanwhile, the BVA will hold their Annual General Meeting on the 28th of January, 2023. Thereafter, the 2023 season is set to commence. This years program will also incorporate school based teams.
The following are some of the teams that participated in the 2022 season.
Lycans Volleyball Club, ZRP Raiders Volleyball Club, Highlanders Volleyball Club, Bulawayo Spartans Volleyball Club, NUST Vikings, Chimoio Volleyball Club, Vipers Volleyball Club and Khami Volleyball Club.
The trio of Ndabazinduna, Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) and Commercial Bank of Zimbabwe (CBZ) is set to join BVA premier league.