St. Collins and Rusununguko High Dominate at 2024 ...

St. Collins and Rusununguko High Dominate at 2024 NASH National Beach Volleyball Tournament

Patience Muchemwa

Senior Reporter

The National Association of Secondary School Heads recently concluded its annual beach volleyball tournament at Dendera Dam in Kotwa, Mashonaland East, held from 25 to 28 September 2024. This year’s event was a resounding success, marking a significant milestone with 96 teams from all 10 provinces competing. The tournament highlighted the growing enthusiasm for beach volleyball in Zimbabwe, with a notable increase in participation compared to previous years.

In the boys' division, St. Collins High School dominated both the U17 and U20 categories, securing gold medals in each. Meanwhile, in the girls' competition, Rusununguko High School achieved the same feat, triumphantly representing Mashonaland East province with victories in both age groups. The tournament’s vibrant atmosphere was fuelled by enthusiastic cheers from spectators, celebrating the athletes’ remarkable skills and sportsmanship throughout the event.

Arron Mutede, coach of the St. Collins volleyball team, expressed immense pride in his players' achievements. “This victory is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team,” he remarked. "They’ve trained rigorously, and it’s rewarding to see their efforts pay off on such a grand stage." Mutede also underscored the importance of sustained development in the sport, calling for better-trained officials and an increase in qualified coaches. “To truly elevate the level of play in Zimbabwe, we need to invest in the talent we have,” he said. St. Collins began preparations in April with a dedicated training camp, continuing up to the final days before the tournament. Mutede hinted at plans for the school to host larger beach volleyball events for various age groups, with the aim of further promoting the sport. "With more competitions like this, our athletes will soon be ready to compete internationally," he added.

Equally proud was Chigudugudze Soul, coach of the Rusununguko High School girls' team. "It’s an incredible feeling to witness our team’s dedication and perseverance pay off in a national championship," he said. “Their tireless efforts, both on and off the court, have been inspiring. Seeing their joy and growth is truly rewarding." Soul also acknowledged the tremendous support from their school and community, which contributed to the team’s success.

A key takeaway from the tournament was the recognition of the need for more qualified technical personnel to officiate matches, as well as the necessity of increasing the number of skilled coaches to guide young athletes. This is seen as vital to nurturing emerging talent and raising the standard of the sport in the country.

The tournament was further elevated by the generous sponsorship of the AM Volleyball Academy, which provided prizes for the winning teams. Such support from sponsors plays a crucial role in promoting grassroots sports and offering young athletes a platform to shine.

In summary, the 2024 NASH National Beach Volleyball Tournament was a remarkable success, bringing together some of Zimbabwe’s most talented young athletes and fostering a spirit of unity and camaraderie. With ongoing support from sponsors, schools, and the community, and continued investment in the sport's infrastructure, the future of beach volleyball in Zimbabwe looks exceptionally bright.