By SHAMAOMA  MUSONDA –
THE Zambia Volleyball Association (ZAVA) today goes to the polls in Kabwe after overcoming some of their most trying weeks in the history of the sport in the country.
After a relatively trouble-free tenure which was spiced by activities both locally and internationally, the Zava was hit by a sucker punch at the close of 2013.
The Sport Council of Zambia (SCZ) dropped a bombshell at the end of 2013 by banning the entire executive for five years over financial matters.
But the Gabriel Muyinda-led executive picked themselves up, dusted and fought on and eventually got a reprieve but got censured by Sports Minister Chishimba Kambwili.
And three months after that short-lived ban, Muyinda leads his volleyball family to the annual general meeting (AGM) at Gonde Lodge to look at how the sport will develop the coming four years.
Muyinda, who is also the vice-president of the National Olympic Committee (NOC), is re-contesting his volleyball association presidency but has a challenger in form of Masiye Tembo.
The position of vice-president has incumbent Berry Lwando up against Zambia Police’s Phillip Singoyi.
Zava general secretary Charles Haambote, however, will not need to deal with opposition as he has gone through unopposed and so is his vice Sililo Mabiya.
But treasurer Nakaonga Kakoma will be up against Lameck Mazyopa while Coaches Commission chairperson Peter Kombaniya has gone through unopposed.
For the position of Referees Commission chairperson, Brian Shindola will go up against James Chimfwembe.
The Schools and Youth Development Commission chairperson is being contested by Nkolola Chitambo and Besa Chibwe.
The Technical and Organising Commission chairperson has Owen Shamabanse and Stephen Kasinsa vying for the seat with the Legal and Disciplinary Commission chairperson has Charles Zimba remaining unchallenged.
And Haambote announced that Zava will need to undergo restructuring at the council meeting which will see half of the 10-member positions in the executive become appointment posts and not elective.
Haambote said this transformation was being undertaken so that  volleyball body runs in line with international best practices.