Masters to pass, set and hit at annual tournament
VETERAN volleyball players from around the country are gearing up to roll back the years at the upcoming 2017 Annual Masters Tournament.
They may be over the age of 40 with their explosive power having slid, but the competitive spirit and old rivalries seem to return every time these players step back on the court.
The third edition of the competition takes place between July 28 and 29 at the University of Kwazulu-natal Westville Sports Centre.
“We are hoping that this will be another fantastic tournament,” ethekwini Volleyball president, Marcellino Nyar, said. “We are building something special.
“It’s not just the competitiveness of the game but the friendships built over the years that keep the masters players coming back.”
The competition is starting to become somewhat of a pilgrimage for players from around the country and this year promises to be one of the best and biggest yet, with 24 male teams and eight female sides in the draw.
“The idea to host a tournament like this came from the interest of the older players that wanted to start playing on a social level,” Nyar explained. “Such is our passion for the game, the word quickly spread around to all the older players, even outside of the province.
“Once again, we will host the tournament with assistance from the UKZN Volleyball Club.”
The men’s title is expected to be hotly contested. Defending champions, Delfos will be back to defend their title. The Gauteng-based outfit are expected to face stiff competition from the likes of Dolphins, Liberte, Starlings and All Star Saints.
Nyar said: “We expect the teams to arrive well prepared and in good shape. They have been playing friendly games in the build-up and we are confident that it will be highly competitive.”
In the women’s draw, Tongaat’s very own Watsonia are strong favourites to retain their crown.
The Geness Foundation has come on board for the third year in a row to sponsor the event.
Former Avoca Volleyball Club and KZN player, Sunil Geness, is the co-founder of the foundation.
“We expect the next generation of great players to benefit from the individual, collective coaching and mentoring of masters players and their respective clubs, to propel South African volleyball towards participation in the Olympic Games,” said Geness. Attacking midfielder Tirone Sewnarain was part of the Amazulu Glenwood Academy team that won last weekend’s Kloof High School Cup.they beat Hilton College 3-1 in the final thanks to goals from Joash Pillay, Thami Nombika and Siyabonga Mfusi.