ZIMBABWE men’s volleyball head coach Itsanangu Abubasutu says his team has been training to embrace pressure, not fear it, as the CAVB Olympic Qualifier serves off in Harare today.
Only the tournament winner will book Africa’s sole ticket to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, but Abubasutu insists the Harare crowd gives the hosts an edge rather than added weight.
Zimbabwe men's team kick off their campaign against Zambia at Sunrise Sports Club Courts at 5pm. Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe women's team are also primed for success given their recent trip to Zambia for friendlies. They are in court first against Namibia at 1pm while Malawi women take on Zambia at 11am.
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“Pressure is fuel, not fear. We train with crowd noise plus bad calls at City Sports Centre so it feels normal. We keep players focused on ‘next rally, next point’ not ‘LA 2028’,” Abasuthu told NewsDay Sport.
To bridge the gap with fans, the team has been visiting schools and doing radio spots.
“Now fans know the players personally. That turns noise into belief. Crowd is our 7th player,” he said.
With margins razor-thin in a winner-takes-all event, Abasuthu has set one non-negotiable for today, that is dominate the first ball.
“First ball side-out at 70%+,” he said.
“Pass well, set fast, terminate on first swing. Win rallies out of system. Do that and we stay alive. Miss it and nothing else matters.”
Beyond the result, Abubasutu believes qualification would transform volleyball at home.
“It’s a game-changer for talent + funding. Kids see Zim at the Olympics and think ‘that’s me’. More PE teachers add volleyball, more parents let kids play," he added.
"School leagues grow fast. ZVA gets real sponsorships. Clubs in Bulawayo, Mutare, Gweru get budgets for coaches, travel, equipment. We keep players home.”
Zimbabwe men’s team opens its campaign as hosts with the city expected to turn out in numbers for the Olympic Qualifier. But before that, Zimbabwe women take to the court first against Namibia at 1pm.