‘Giant Killers’ reach for greater heights

MAIDSTONE Volleyball Club of Tongaat on the Kwazulu-natal North Coast are ready to go international.

Never in the wildest dreams of coach Ricky Perumal could he have imagined that in the space of just four years, his team would go from regional champions to fighting toe-to-toe with Southern Africa’s best volleyball clubs.

The “Giant Killers”, as they have become known, will represent South Africa at next month’s Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB) Zone IV Championships.

“It is hard to believe that this club has achieved so much in such a short space of time. You have to pinch yourself sometimes to believe it,” Perumal said.

His side qualified for the tournament after they made the final of Volleyball South Africa’s Tubby Reddy Classic in August.

Merely qualifying was not enough for Perumal’s charges.

They pulled off a massive upset by beating highly fancied fellow Tongaat side Liberte in a thrilling final.

Maidstone, along with Liberte, will now face top clubs from Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Lesotho in the upcoming tournament, which will be staged in Durban from December 1-7.

“I think at the Tubby Reddy Classic we showed that we can compete on the big stage,” Perumal said.

Last Monday, Maidstone wrapped up their competitive preparations by winning the Verulam and Districts Volleyball Association closing tournament.

Now, the club enters its final phase of training which will focus on fine-tuning their “technical approach”, for the tournament.

“We have had an amazing year. Now we have to put in one final push,” Perumal said.

“We do not want to put too much pressure on ourselves as it is our first international competition.

“Over the next two weeks we will work on getting the most out of our players and ensure they are physically and mentally ready.”

Perumal’s trump cards will be the experience of former national setter Ryaan Lahldas as well as power hitters Hansen Viraragavan, Sandile Khoza and star utility player Leon Maistry.

Viraragavan, a former junior national player has enjoyed a resurgence under Perumal and won the Most Valued Player award at the Tubby Reddy Classic.

“We do not know anything about the teams we will be facing. The best thing for us is to just concentrate on own game and strengths,” Perumal said.

“Yes, we do have some special players but we understand that in order for us to go and make an impact we will need a big team effort.”