Kudzai Bakayidza insists teamwork and not his fine form led Naba to their maiden Harare Volleyball Association League title.

After years of trying, Non Academic Bachelors Association finally beat rivals Support Unit to the league title winning 3-2 in a final at University of Zimbabwe last week.

 “All I can say is hard work and passion really pays off,” Bakayidza said.

“There is no greater motivation than that of seeing yourself elevate to greater heights as a result of your efforts.

“Teamwork, was another pillar of our success. Unity of direction is what kept us focused and of course not forgetting the technical knowhow or rather the expertise of our coach Nyashadzashe Takawira,” he said.

Many argued that the 22 year-old power hitter’s consistence and improvement was pivotal to Naba’s triumph.

“Yeah on a personal note I would applause myself on my agility, I worked on my weaknesses and I also associated myself with great men like Brighton Ngunzi and Tawanda Pamire just to mention a few.

“Some wiseman once said 'associate yourself with great men and become a great kid'," he said.

The Midlands State University Marketing Management student is relieved to finally break the bonds of playing second fiddle to Support Unit.

“Motivated by such the league victory we are looking forward to doing more.

“They is tough competition ahead it’s a clash of the titans but we are not going to pressure ourselves.

Bakayidza is a burly lad who went to Mazowe High, a schools volleyball giant.

“Its actually funny how it started, back in high school at Mazowe Boys High I used to play soccer as a defender in Form 1. 

“It so happened one day that the volleyball coach Stanlous Muguto came into our class and randomly invited a few individuals to the volleyball court

“I was one of them but later realized that the selection was not random but we were actually the tallest in class.

“Conflict of interest emerged between the soccer and the volleyball coach but I fell for volleyball instead since it was the school's pride.

The 1.89m tall player is also part of the MSU volleyball team that will represent Africa at the International University Sports Federation (FISU) Games in Taiwan next year.

“We delivered also in the college games and we had a tour to South Africa for the FASU games and won gold and I can proudly say we will be representing Africa at FISU games in Taipei next year however.”

He also dreams of playing for his country.

“I would want to play for the national team at large and also go abroad to play professional volleyball.”