Unity and hard work propel Highlanders to ZPVL glory

By Andile Mvundla

Zimbabwe premier volleyball league (ZPVL) Champions, Highlanders Volleyball club coach Chekuda Makuyana, has praised unity and hard work amongst his team as the key drivers behind their league cup success this season.

Highlanders clinched their first-ever league title in the Zimbabwe Premier Volleyball League, after they secured a remarkable 3-2 comeback victory over Black Rhinos on weekend.

Speaking to SkyzMetro FM in an interview Coach Makuyana attributed the team’s success to unity, trust, and hard work praising his players for their dedication and commitment to the team’s goals.

“Winning came through training and hard work. As usual. I always encourage unity and trust among the players. Cause a divided kingdom cannot stand. We are now Preparing for Zone 6 championships to be held in Botswana in December. Keeping the squad intact for the upcoming season of 2025 is the only way to maintain this level of success and maybe add one or two players to beef up.”

With the league title having been won previously by Harare based sides such as UZ, NABA, Black Rhinos and Harare City, Highlanders Team manager Wellington Hwata expressed his delight on the club’s success on finally securing the title, saying it is a huge achievement for Bulawayo’s Volleyball community.

“This is something big, especially for the province of Bulawayo because for us as Highlanders, for a long time, we have been trying to clinch this big title. Actually, we have been failing. Yes, of course, we managed to beat all the teams in last year, Zimbabwe open tournament, but it was only an open tournament,” stated Hwata.

“To come out ontop in a big league like this one ut actual means a lot and I applaude the coach and the players for make this one possible, ” he added.

Championship winning captain Matthew Msamanyada said that it is a great honour to be the leader of a history making team which will go down as one of the greatest feat to be achieved by the club.

“We are very happy as a club to have won the National League, Zimbabwe Premier Volleyball League, making history of being the first in a long time Bulawayo club to clinch the title from the Harare guys.

We are getting the appreciation from everywhere and everyone is just celebrating with us and we are so happy to have achieved such a feat which will go down as one of the greatest achievements,” said Msamanyada.

With the ZPVL title secured, Highlanders are now focused on the upcoming Zone 6 Championship, which will be held in Botswana next month.