Clive Thabo Dube
ONCE crippled by lack of visibility across Zimbabwe’s second largest city, the Bulawayo Volleyball Association (BVA) is now poised for an era of growth following the appointment of its long time serving members Mr. Munyaradzi Chigudu and Mr. Stan Manduna to the roles of Chairman and Secretary General respectively.
The appointment comes at a crucial time for Volleyball which just like any other Sport is a business that, needs funding. And the only logical, and strategic way to secure financial stability is through sponsorship deals and command of a large following.
Financial constraints and lack of venues is a conundrum that has been, and continues to haunt the Bulawayo Volleyball fraternity. As such, the new leadership has an enormous task to establish a sizeable fanbase for the sport code, secure affordable and up to standard venues, and foster a longstanding relationship with the corporate world that is built on dependability, longevity and authentic cadence to lure in lucrative sponsorship deals.
A consequence manifested by being overshadowed by soccer, cricket and other elite sports.
“This is an opportunity to transform Volleyball in Bulawayo and we want to try as much as possible to be visible, better place ourselves because as an association we need to be seen out there playing and active in many spheres
“We are also working on boosting our digital presence, this way l think we will be able to attract sponsors to get adequate funding for events such as Cancer Awareness and AIDS Day.” Chigudu said.
Media undeniably plays a crucial role in the arena of sports, especially now more than ever with online spaces having taken over as the preferred channel of sports consumption in this digital era. This is because digital space is faster in engaging the public and grows spectator interests.
The BVA Chairman further revealed that together with Secretary General Manduna, Bulawayo Volleyball is in safe hands.
“Mr. Manduna has the zeal to see Volleyball grow. I have worked with him in many areas, so l believe with him and the team that we have, we will take Volleyball in Bulawayo to another level.” He added.
The appointment of Chigudu and Manduna marks a new era for Bulawayo Volleyball, and their leadership is expected to bring positive change and growth to the sport.
“I feel honoured and humbled to be elected to such a position. Many thanks to the Bulawayo volleyball community for having faith, trust and hope not only in me but in the entire new executive committee. Will work as a committee together with all Bulawayo volleyball stakeholders so that the sport continues to thrive.” Said Manduna.
The new leadership which was elected unopposed last week is determined to put Bulawayo Volleyball on the map and by recognizing the importance of the media, BVA hopes to increase participation, and attract sponsors to achieving its goals and vision.
2024 BVA Executive Committee
Chairperson
Mr M Chigudu
Vice Chairperson Admin and Competitions
BS Ndhlovu
Vice Chairperson Technical and Development
Mrs NN Maseko
Secretary General
Mr S Manduna
Treasurer
Mr P Khumalo
Committee Member
Father James Batsirai
Committee Member
Mrs S Sibanda
Committee member (Gender Minority Chairperson)
Mrs N Moyo
Zim GBC News ©2024