Rutendo Chirume
MASVINGO – Masvingo Province’s volleyball team received a major boost ahead of the ongoing Zimbabwe National Youth Games in Marondera after businessman and philanthropist Commissioner Sternly Kondongwe stepped in to fund the team’s participation.
Commissioner Kondongwe paid the team’s affiliation fees, accommodation and food costs after financial challenges threatened the province’s participation in the Games being held in Mashonaland East Province.
Each of the eight players was expected to raise US$126, translating to US$1 008 for the players alone, placing a significant financial burden on the young athletes.
The intervention came at a crucial time and enabled the girls to travel and compete at the national youth competition.
Masvingo volleyball coach Glenn Tavarwisa said Commissioner Kondongwe’s support had made a significant difference to the team.
“His support means a lot to us. At a time when we were facing financial challenges, he came in and made sure the girls got the opportunity to represent Masvingo,” Tavarwisa said.
The team went on to reward the support with a strong performance, finishing number one at the Games and earning an opportunity to represent Zimbabwe at the Zone 6 competition in Namibia.
Tavarwisa said the achievement demonstrated the determination of the players and the value of the support they had received.
“The girls did not disappoint. They gave their best on the court and managed to finish number one. We are now looking forward to representing the country at the Zone 6 competition in Namibia,” he said.
The provincial volleyball fraternity also commended Commissioner Kondongwe for supporting the development of young female athletes and promoting volleyball in Masvingo.
The Masvingo Province team will now shift its focus to preparations for the Zone 6 tournament in Namibia, where the players will seek to build on their success at the National Youth Games.
