Tanzania Volleyball Association (TAVA) has commended new national club champion, Bank of Tanzania (BoT) Mwanza branch, for clinching the title in their maiden appearance.
BOT were crowned men’s champion while the women’s title went to Magereza at the national championship in Morogoro last week.
The TAVA Vice-President Muharami Mchume told the ‘Daily News’ in Dar es Salaam that both BoT and Magereza will now represent Tanzania in the Africa Premier Clubs Championship early next year in men and women’s categories respectively.
BoT men’s team beat tough Magereza 2-1 sets in a thrilling final to win the title and curtail the dominance of army teams like Jeshi Stars and Magereza in the game.
The new champions proved their prowess by dethroning defending champions Jeshi Stars 3-1 in the semifinals. Magereza beat their counterparts Jeshi Stars 2-1 in the women’s final.
Mchume, who was in Morogoro and witnessed all the matches, said BoT are very good and have a bright future if get maximum support. “We have new champions and the country’s representatives in international events … we hope they will represent Tanzania well,” he said.
“BoT played very well and deserved to beat experienced Magereza and defending champions Jeshi Stars in their last two games to clinch the title. “They have a very good team boasting many young upcoming players who can prosper if are well trained and given a chance to grow.”
He added that army teams have done a lot to sustain the existence of the game in the country, but now it is more encouraging to see other teams from the public sector like BoT emerging and taking over supremacy.
Mchume said that volleyball used to bring together teams from the armed forces and other public and private institutions which later pulled out to allow army teams to dominate.
“It impresses us to see team like BoT coming into the game and lifting the title. This will add more spices to our game and efforts being taken to promote volleyball at all levels,” he said.
BY MBONILE BURTON, Tanzania Daily News