FAITH NDOU
MASVINGO-Masvingo Province is now firmly on the national volleyball map following the impressive rise of Southern Aces Volleyball Club, a women’s side that has quickly grown from provincial champions into serious contenders in the Zimbabwe Premier Volleyball League.
Formed in 2023, the club earned promotion into the top flight for the 2026 season after dominating provincial competition and they have already made their presence felt at elite level.
Southern Aces Volleyball Club have started their Premier League campaign in strong fashion, remaining unbeaten in their opening two matches and sitting third on the log with five points.
They trail leaders Ravenclaw on nine points and second-placed Black Mambas on eight.
Despite competing against established sides such as UZ Wolves, CUT, Black Rhinos, Diamonds, Harare City, Chimoio and DKnights, the Masvingo-based outfit has shown no fear.
Team manager and head coach Glenn Tavarwisa said the club’s rapid rise has been both motivating and demanding.
“It is a great honour and a proud moment for me to coach a club competing in the Premier League,” said Tavarwisa.
He added “Coaching at this level comes with great responsibility and I enjoy the challenge of helping the players reach their full potential while building a competitive team.”
Tavarwisa praised the players’ commitment and unity, saying their early performances reflect the work being done behind the scenes.
“We are grateful for the trust the club has placed in us and we will continue working hard to achieve even greater success together,” he said.
The team trains at Masvingo Polytechnic College grounds where a youthful squad of 20 players is developing into a competitive unit.
Tavariswa highlighted that Captain Anesu Manyoni, a product of Pangolin in Masvingo, has been central to the team’s leadership
structure on court.
Southern Aces Volleyball Club are guided by an executive committee chaired by Dr Richard Makoni, with secretary general Frank Shuro, treasurer Tsungai Mhungu, team manager Glenn Tavarwisa and welfare manager Joane Belinda Gwenero.
On the technical side, the club is supported by first assistant coach Anesu Taziva and second assistant Gift Machisa.
Tavarwisa said the unbeaten start has boosted morale but insisted the focus remains on consistency.
“The players have shown character and discipline. We are happy with the start but the league is long and we must keep improving,” he said.
The club is also preparing for international exposure after securing a place in the Zone VI Club Championship set for Swakopmund, Namibia from December 12 to 22.
The tournament will feature clubs from Zambia, Malawi, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Botswana, South Africa and Namibia.
“This is a big step for the club and for Masvingo Province. It gives our players exposure at regional level and tests us against strong opposition,” said Tavarwisa.
Before the regional assignment, Southern Aces will face Black Mambas and Black Rhinos on July 25 and 26 at Hillside Teachers College in Bulawayo. They will then return home for Premier League fixtures against Harare City and Ravenclaw on September 27 and 28.
However, despite their impressive rise, the club continues to operate under financial pressure, with limited sponsorship in the sport.
“We are facing financial constraints, but the passion in this team is stronger than the challenges,” said Tavarwisa.
As Southern Aces continue their rise, they are no longer just Masvingo’s representatives, they are fast becoming a symbol of ambition, resilience and the growing strength of women’s volleyball in Zimbabwe.
