COMMENT: Bulawayo Spartans Volleyball Club eye National League

Blessed Moyo, Sports Reporter

BULAWAYO Spartans Volleyball Club has set its eyes on playing in the National League to give the city’s talented stars exposure.

But sponsorship may be its biggest challenge. At the moment, Highlanders are the only team playing at that level. Last year Highlanders revived memories of the past when clubs like Unit Fairbridge, Railstars and Bulawayo Raiders shared the spoils with the rest of the nation.

Spartans coach Vulindlela Moyo is confident that his team has the talent and resources to make the leap.
Moyo, who has a proven track record of developing top players, revealed that he has groomed many of the leading lights in Zimbabwean volleyball and hence his reservoir (Spartans) still has gas to make an impact in national league volleyball. In an interview with Zimpapers Sports Hub, Moyo said he has trained and nurtured players who are playing all over the country.

“Now, I’m harnessing all the resources at my disposal to build a strong squad for Spartans,” he revealed.
The coach is particularly excited about the young talent emerging from his camp which began last year.

“I have seen tremendous potential in these youngsters, and some of them will be joining Spartans, making us ready for the new challenge ahead,” he noted. Moyo a product of the provincial schools development programme of the 1980s, believes the city’s league action is in disarray and needs attention.

His motivation is that exposure will rub off on more in the province.
“The provincial volleyball setup is not conducive to producing players who can compete at the national league level,” Moyo said.
However, he is confident that by giving youngsters a taste of high-level competition, they will develop the aspirations and motivation needed to succeed.

Moyo’s comments highlight the challenges facing volleyball development in the province, but also underscore his commitment to nurturing the next generation of talent.

By providing opportunities for young players to shine, Moyo hopes to create a brighter future for Bulawayo volleyball. With a mix of experienced players and fresh talent, Spartans is poised to make a strong bid for National League status. The club’s ambitions are a testament to the legacy strength of volleyball in Bulawayo, and fans are eagerly anticipating the team’s next move.

Moyo says his club which will invest in grassroots development by going to schools this year, needs sponsorship to participate in the national league.

“We need sponsorship for balls, uniforms, accommodation, food and travel. They have introduced the bubble concept and we are hopeful it will allow us to go to Harare play as many games, have breathing time before the next trip so that we fundraise.

“This is for the stars, these are your children seeking to be recognised in the sport and they will bring glory and pride to the community if allowed to take part,” said Moyo.

Moyo has coached the likes of Edson Sibanda, Garikayi Sibanda, Hudson Kaluwa, Herbert Mutisi, Itsanang Abu Basuthu, Inambawo Ndlovu, Taurayi Mlauzi, Mailos Ncube and Bartson Banda to national and provincial titles. He has also done well with ZRP Raiders women’s team that won national acclaim a decade ago.