🇿🇼ZimbabweSouthern Africa
Abubasutu believes Harare crowd will boost Zimbabwe men's volleyball Olympic aspirations
via NewsDay Zimbabwe5 min read
Itsanangu Abubasutu, head coach for the Zimbabwe men’s volleyball team, stated that the Harare crowd will provide an advantage for the team in the CAVB Olympic Qualifier, which began today. He emphasized that the team has been training to handle pressure and views the crowd as a source of fuel, not fear. The tournament winner will secure Africa’s sole ticket to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Zimbabwe men's team is scheduled to play against Zambia at 5pm, while the women's team will face Namibia at 1pm. Abubasutu highlighted the importance of dominating the first ball, aiming for a 70%+ side-out rate, and believes that Olympic qualification would significantly transform volleyball in Zimbabwe by attracting talent, funding, and sponsorships.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by NewsDay Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe's men's and women's volleyball teams are competing for Olympic qualification at the CAVB Zone VI Senior Nations Championships LA28 Zonal Qualifiers, held at Sunrise Sports Club in Belvedere, Harare. The tournament, which runs from June 10 to June 13, 2026, features a round-robin format where Zimbabwe's teams will face Malawi, Namibia, and Zambia. The top two teams from both the men's and women's divisions will advance to the finals on Saturday, June 13. The men's schedule includes matches between Zimbabwe and Zambia on Wednesday, June 10 at 17:00; Zimbabwe and Malawi on Thursday, June 11 at 15:00; and Zimbabwe and Namibia on Friday, June 12 at 15:00. The women's team will play Namibia on Wednesday, June 10 at 13:00; Malawi on Thursday, June 11 at 11:00; and Zambia on Friday, June 12 at 11:00. Each match is crucial, with the home crowd expected to provide significant support for the Zimbabwean teams.
An ambassador has expressed support for Zimbabwe's efforts to explore export markets within Africa for its rabbit sector. The ambassador noted that the rabbit industry in Zimbabwe has the potential to create jobs and generate foreign currency. This initiative is part of Zimbabwe's broader economic strategies, which include harmonizing regional transport corridors with Malawi and Mozambique, attracting significant investments like a US$650 million vision, and establishing new industrial facilities such as a cement plant that will create 450 jobs.
Zimbabwean champions Scottland FC will play South African giants Kaizer Chiefs in the 2026 Toyota Cup on July 26 at Royal Bafokeng Stadium. This match marks a significant international fixture for Scottland FC, highlighting the long-standing footballing relationship between Zimbabwe and Kaizer Chiefs. Kaizer Chiefs sporting director Jessica Motaung announced the fixture, emphasizing the historic ties and growing relationship between the clubs. She noted Scottland FC's rapid rise, including winning their domestic league and qualifying for the Caf Champions League in their debut season. The Toyota Cup, now in its third edition, has previously featured continental heavyweights like Young Africans and Asante Kotoko. The upcoming match will also see former Chiefs players Khama Billiat and Knowledge Musona, now key figures for Scottland FC, reunite with their former club. The event is expected to draw strong support from the Zimbabwean diaspora in South Africa. Motaung also highlighted the collaboration between the clubs, including skills and personnel exchange, and Scottland FC's investment in infrastructure, which reflects a growing professionalism in Zimbabwean football. Kaizer Chiefs manager Bobby Motaung recently visited Zimbabwe, attending a match between Scottland and Caps United. The inclusion of Scottland FC in the Toyota Cup signifies increasing regional recognition for Zimbabwean clubs and their competitiveness on the continental stage.