SUPPORT Unit Volleyball Club head coach Itsanang Abu-Basutu says they are getting ready for first ever shot at the African Men’s Club Championships to be held in Tunisia next month.
SUKOLUHLE MTHETHWA SPORTS REPORTER
The Harare side will have to be at their best as stiff competition is expected when they compete for a slot with other African countries to qualify for the 2015 Men’s Club World Championship to be held in Brazil from May 5 to 10.
Abu-Basutu yesterday said they had started preparations for the maiden appearance in the African Men’s Club Championships.
“We are preparing for the Men’s Club Championships to be held in Tunisia next month. We have played friendly matches as part of preparations. We are taking part in a tournament organised by Naba on the weekend that will help us in preparations,” he said.
“It is a good challenge because no volleyball team in Zimbabwe has gone to that competition. It will be an eye opener for us.”
The former Railstars coach said they are yet to finalise the team that would travel to Tunisia.
“The squad has depth. We are hoping that they will perform well and gain experience at a high level. The competition will be tough, but we are telling ourselves that top volleyball clubs did not become big in one day they started off as small clubs. We are hoping that it would be an eye-opener for us.
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“We have 19 players at training, but 12 will go to Tunisia. We have not trimmed the numbers yet because anything could happen,” he said.
“A player can fall sick or get injured, so we will only trim maybe a day before we leave for Tunisia. The competition is very important because the club that performs well will qualify for the World Club Championships.”
The police side were selected after an impressive show at the Region 5 Volleyball Club Championships that were held in December 2014 in Mozambique.
Support Unit lost to Mozambican side Autoridade de Tributaria in the finals.
According to media reports the African Men’s Club Championships are considered to be one of the most attractive volleyball championships in Africa as they has been attracting more than 16 teams in the last few years.
The Zimbabwean representatives need over $45 000 inclusive of airfares, accommodation and allowances for the trip to Tunisia.
