The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sport, Arts and Culture in conjunction with KZN Volleyball and eThekwini Volleyball recently facilitated the start of the Phoenix U17 Club Development Volleyball League, hosted at Rydalpark Secondary School.
The Phoenix U17 Club Development Volleyball League comprises of six clubs which include Greenbury, Palmview, Rydalpark, Solvista, Crystal Point and Brookdale volleyball clubs. The coordinator of the eThekwini District U17 Club Development Volleyball League who is also part of the department, Nishaan Sewkumar said he was pleasantly surprised with the level of skill displayed by some of the players.
He said: “The clubs were grouped into two groups of three, for both male and female teams, with the top two teams proceeding to the semi finals. Brookdale VC did not honour their fixtures and points were handed to their opponents in their respective groups.”
Sewkumar said Palmview VC took on Greenbury VC in the male final. “There was some enterprising volleyball played by Palmview VC and they were the well deserved winners of the game after edging out Greenbury VC by 2 sets to nil, 25 points to 15 points in the first set and 25 points to 20 points in the second set.” said Sewkumar.
There was upset in the ladies final as tournament favourites Palmview VC were beaten by Rydalpark VC in a tense match up. Rydalpark VC fought back from a set down to win the encounter by two sets to one.
“This league will ensure young volleyball players have an opportunity to compete regularly and improve their skill set,” said Sewkumar.
The principal of Rydalpark, Mr DM Cullen witnessed the fantastic volleyball displayed on the day and said he was thrilled that the department with its stakeholders were able to provide an organised platform for the young players to display their talent.
