The Zimbabwe Volleyball Association (ZVA) has named a 20-man squad to take on neighbours Zambia in the highly anticipated return leg of the Battle of the Zambezi, set for Lusaka from May 22-24, 2026.
The ZVA made the announcement ahead of what promises to be a fiercely contested Zam-Zim International Friendly series, with the Eagles carrying the confidence of their 2025 Harare showdown into enemy territory.
Head coach Itsanangu Abubasutu will lead the technical bench in the Zambian capital, supported by assistant coaches Gift Chirebvu and Munyaradzi Mavima, with Farai Mboto serving as team manager and Munyaradzi Chita handling welfare duties.
The squad reads as a blend of experience and youthful ambition, featuring players who have been part of Zimbabwe's growing volleyball programme. Shayne Mashininga, Tatenda Karuma and Nyaradzi R. Sibanda headline the selection alongside Godfrey Kaseke, Panashe Sangonya, and Mathew Musamanyada.
The full squad also includes Kudakwashe Kandanda, Nigel Kadumba, Tanaka Hwara, Michael Mapfumo, Apronage Ngorima, Takudzwa Mashaka, Nigel Banda, Brian Muchena, Trymore Nyakwangwa, Kudzai Mazviro, Macklin Rangwani, Charles Chitedzi, Dean Mukusa and Keith Kapanga.
More than just regional bragging rights are at stake. The matches serve as critical preparation for the CAVB Senior Nations Championship Zone VI Qualifiers, making this series a genuine litmus test of Zimbabwe's continental ambitions.
"These matches are crucial preparation for the CAVB Senior Nations Championship Zone VI Qualifiers," the ZVA said in a statement. "We are carrying the momentum from 2025 and the hunger for the Championship. It's time to show the region what Zimbabwe is made of."
"The Zimbabwe-Zambia volleyball rivalry has intensified in recent years, with the 2025 Harare edition adding extra spice to what is fast becoming one of southern Africa's most compelling bilateral volleyball contests. The return fixture on Zambian soil is expected to draw significant interest from volleyball fans across the region.
- Kudakwashe Gahadzikwa
