THE Zimbabwe Under-20 volleyball team's semifinal exit from the CAVB 2025 Men's Under-20 African Nations Championship in Egypt last month may have been disappointing, but their journey has shown promise for the future of volleyball in the country.
Team's head coach, Kudzai Bakayidza, believes that the players gave their all, but their lack of experience and exposure to indoor facilities affected their performance.
"We train outdoors, which makes it hard for us to adjust to indoor games," Bakayidza told The Sports Hub.
Despite the challenges, the team never gave up. They fought hard in every game.
Bakayidza highlighted the courage and unity his players showed throughout the tournament.
"The support from the nation has been a huge motivation for the boys. We're proud of what we've achieved so far, and we're looking forward to coming back stronger,” he said.
The team's journey was not without its challenges. They faced tough opponents in the group stages and had to dig deep to stay in the tournament. However, the lack of stamina and experience showed in the semifinal match.
Bakayidza believes that the team needs to work on their fitness and endurance to compete with the best teams in Africa.
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"We need to invest in our training facilities and develop our players' skills," he added.
Bakayidza said despite the semifinal exit, the Zimbabwe Under-20 volleyball team showed promise for the future. He believes with the right support and investment, they could become a force to be reckoned with in African volleyball.
"The guys are young and talented, and they have a strong work ethic. With the right guidance and resources, they could achieve great things," added Bakayidza.
"We'll work hard and make sure we're better prepared for the next tournament."
