Falcons fly into Zone VI champs
Brighton Zhawi
MANYAME Airforce Falcons women’s volleyball team is set to fly to new heights after bursting onto the international scene.
For the first time in their history, the Falcons women’s team will play in the Zone VI Club Volleyball Championships set for Lilongwe, Malawi, from December 13 to 22.
Nineteen women’s teams have confirmed their participation in the regional tournament and among them are debutants Falcons, who will join Harare City and UZ Wolves as Zimbabwe’s representatives.
“It’s a breakthrough for the Air Force’s sports,” said the Falcons coach, Israel Bandawa.
“We are grateful for the Commander’s support. He has been urging all sportspersons to go as far as they can in their respective sports.”
Since gaining promotion to the Harare Volleyball Association League in 2012, the Falcons have been making steady progress. They believe they are now ready to contest against some of the region’s best sides.
In March, the team earned a slot in the Zone VI Club Championships by claiming gold at the Zimbabwe Open in Gweru.
“It’s quite exciting, it’s our first time and we are keen to play at that stage,” Bandawa said.
“We are not expecting much since planning for the future is a learning curve. We will come back and highlight to our bosses how it’s like playing at that stage.”
The Falcons finished fourth in the recently concluded National League. They also concluded the HVA League on number four.
“We are excited about our junior policy. Some of our high school players are part of the team travelling to the Zone VI competition. We are also keen to avail playing opportunities to graduates. They should have fall back plans in life,” Bandawa said.
Last week, the players were expected troop into camp for the final preparations of their maiden Zone VI appearance.
In the men’s category, Zimbabwe will be represented by national league champions UZ Wolves, Harare City, Support Unit and Black Rhinos.
Twenty-three men’s teams are expected to participate in the regional championships.