25/05/2026
VOLLEYBALL FESTIVAL: ZAMBIA AND ZIMBABWE SERVE UP THRILLING MATCHES IN LUSAKA
The Olympic Youth Development Centre in Lusaka was electric over the weekend as Zambia and Zimbabwe clashed in a series of thrilling international friendly volleyball matches.
The Zambian women’s senior team emerged victorious, winning all their encounters against their Zimbabwean counterparts.
The opening match was a nail-biting 3–2 triumph, while Sunday’s finale also ended in a tense 3–2 victory.
The men’s contests proved more one-sided. Zimbabwe claimed a 3–1 win on day one, before edging Zambia 3–2 in the second match after forcing a decider.
It was a tough outing for Zambia’s under-20 men’s side, who were comprehensively beaten 3–0 in both of their fixtures against senior opposition.
Commander Zambia Army,Lieutenant General Geoffrey Choongo Zyeele, who is the Patron of all Army sponsored sports disciplines, and seasoned volleyball enthusiast, stressed the need for greater investment in technical development and tactical awareness.
Green Buffaloes, a top Zambian volleyball club, contributed heavily to the national teams, with 7 players in the men's squad and 5 in the women's squad.
"It's not just about the love of the game; it's a responsibility that we, the leaders, and everyone else should embrace. If we don't come together like this, our sport is going to face extinction," he warned.
Lt Gen Zyeele praised Zambia's progress but highlighted the need to elevate the women’s game and introduce "volleyball IQ"-tactical intelligence and structured play.
He cited Kenya, Rwanda, and several Asian nations as examples of teams that blend technical skill with strategic discipline.
Zimbabwe Women’s Team coach Memory Dube described the matches as an “eye-opener”, while Zambia National Team Head Coach, Warrant Officer Class One Luckson Mazumbo (Rtd), said the games were invaluable in helping him assess the squad ahead of future assignments.