Strong start for Tanzanian sides at Nyerere Volleyball Tourney

DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIAN volleyball teams have displayed resilience and determination in the early stages of the 26th Mwalimu Julius K Nyerere International Tournament.

The tournament started at Mwembeyanga grounds, in Dar es Salaam on Friday sawa Tanzanian teams holding their own against strong regional opposition.

Jeshi Stars delivered a gritty performance in their tournament opener, edging past Falcon of Zambia in a five-set thriller (3-2) on Friday opening battle.

The hard-fought victory marked a promising start for the Tanzanian side, showing composure under pressure and strong teamwork.

In an all-Tanzanian clash, Serengeti battled it out against High Voltage in another intense five-set encounter.

Serengeti eventually triumphed 3-2, showcasing depth and stamina, especially in the decider.

JKT faced a tough challenge against a sharp Rukinzo side from Burundi on yesterday encounter.

Despite putting up a fight, the Tanzanian team went down in straight sets (0-3), with set scores of 19-25, 22-25 and 24-26 the final set highlighting their fighting spirit.

High Voltage pushed Serengeti to five sets but couldn’t close the match, while Police Zanzibar fell 0-3 to Kenya’s Chema yesterday.

Nyika, who are competing in both men’s and women’s categories, faced a tough start in the men’s side with a 0-3 loss to Chema on Friday.

They’ll be looking to bounce back in their remaining pool matches.

In the women’s category, hosts JKT and Nyika delivered commanding performances in their openers.

JKT swept aside Star Girls 3-0, while Nyika did the same against Chui in the tournament’s curtain-raiser.

Organised by the Tanzania Volleyball Federation (TVF), the tournament has attracted top teams from four East and Central African countries: Tanzania, Kenya, Zambia and Burundi.

The women’s competition features five teams — Star Girls, Chui, JKT and Nyika from Tanzania, and Falcon from Zambia — battling in a roundrobin format.

In the men’s draw, teams are divided into three pools. Tanzania is represented by JKT, Serengeti, High Voltage, Nyika, Jeshi Stars and Police Zanzibar. The visiting sides include Falcon (Zambia), Rukinzo (Burundi) and Kenya’s Kenya Prisons and Chema.