…as NABA brush Mambas aside
ARMY side Black Rhinos gunned down police outfit Support Unit winning 3-0 in the weekend’s Harare Volleyball Premier League contest 3-0 at the University of Zimbabwe grounds on Sunday.
Rhinos put aside the Zimbabwe Premier Volleyball League disappointment of losing to Support Unit a fortnight, albeit with a powerful display in the HVPL.
Black Rhinos showed their intent from the first whistle, and Support Unit was a pale shadow of the team that beat the army side 3-2 weeks ago.
Support Unit gave such a lifeless performance, and they looked lost as Black Rhinos gave fans a spectacle. It was no surprise when the army side won the third set 25-14, as Support Unit had failed to find an answer to the Rhinos onslaught. There are good days for every sports team, and for Black Rhinos, it was one. There are bad days as well, and for Support Unit, they would not want to remember this.
Support Unit were outclassed, and all the confidence from their last performance disappeared through the window.
Support Unit can, however, find solace in that they have secured a place in the semifinals and can have another shot for a podium finish. On the other hand, Black Rhinos, securing back-to-back 3-0 victories over UZ Wolves and Support Unit are hoping their best days are back.
In another match that was a headliner for the weekend, NABA showed their classy against Black Mambas in a 3-1 victory. NABA came into this match against a 3-1 defeat to Mambas in the ZPVL a fortnight ago. Sunday was a day to prove to their critics that they were the best-assembled side in the land. Their depth is second to none, and against Mambas, they played the game to their strength.
It looked like Mambas were going for another upset as they won the first set 25-21, and they showed some glimpses of good play in the second set, but NABA turned on the power to clinch three successive sets and won 3-1. Black Mambas came out of the math with their heads high as they gave a good account of themselves. They faced a more talented team than they could match man for man.
Mambas can be grateful that they have come this far, and their progress is something to admire. This year they have been in great form, and traces of a team that is working are evident. Though no team is unbeatable, NABA is a different classy.
Focus will now turn to the semifinal in two weeks. All four, despite their wins and losses, have another shot coming. It is a game again.
