The Dar es Salaam volleyball combined team has stepped up preparations, ready for the forthcoming Njombe special tournament, due to kick off on Saturday.
The team is currently training rigorously at the National Indoor Stadium in Dar es Salaam ahead of the three-day event. The Dar es Salaam Regional Amateur Volleyball Association (DAREVA) however, has admitted to facing a big challenge to secure sponsorship to cover the team’s travelling cost to Njombe.
DAREVA official Nassoro Shariff, told the ‘Daily News’ in the city yesterday that preparations on the pitch were going on well, but off it the association has been struggling to secure sponsorship for the team “We started preparation last Thursday but had to break last weekend to give players chance to stay with their family during Eid celebrations,” he said, adding that the team resumed training on Monday.
DAREVA has selected about 12 players to form regional team that is expected to leave the city to Njombe on Friday. Dar is among regional teams invited by hosts Njombe region to take part in the event to mark the official opening of a new volleyball court in the region.
“Most of the players have already reported for training except two players –Faustine Lugenge and Frank Mandiwa both of JKT Stars who, however, are set to join the team today (yesterday),” he said. He added that all players are in good shape and hope remaining three training days will do well for the team ready for Njombe trip.
Players in the team that is under Coach Edwin Mwesiga include Kelvin Kisera (Jeshi Stars), Lugenge (JKT Stars), Saidi Alhaji (Tanzania Prisons), David Neeke (Jeshi Stars), Julius Magari (Chui) and Charles Alex (Police Marine).
Others are Shukuru Ally (Future), Freddy Mshangama and Davis Devid (Tanzania Prisons), Athumani Kadoo (Jeshi Stars), Mandiwa (JKT Stars) and Abdul Yusuph (Police Marine).
Meanwhile DAREVA reminded teams that have entered playoff at the DAREVA League to prepare well ready for the tournament that will be televised live at Azam TV from July 30th to August 1st this year. Shariff said that teams have to prepare well to make the event competitive and attract many fans.
By MBONILE BURTON, Tanzania Daily News