From the dusty army barracks of Cranborne in Harare to coaching one of Japan’s top women’s volleyball teams, Zimbabwean-born Murray Pole Ndlovu’s journey is a story of faith, resilience and purpose.
Now an assistant coach at Okayama Seagulls, a professional team in Japan’s elite S.V League, Ndlovu’s rise is anything but ordinary. His story begins in a military camp, takes root in Zimbabwe’s modest volleyball scene, and grows into a quiet revolution for African sports representation abroad.
Early Beginnings in Harare
“I grew up in Harare, at 2 Brigade Army Camp in Cranborne,” says Ndlovu, speaking to African Times from Okayama. “I started playing volleyball when I was in Grade 6 — I was about 11 years old. That was back in 1996.”
Like many boys in Zimbabwe, Ndlovu’s first love was soccer. But fate had other plans. “One day, coming home from the soccer field, I passed the volleyball courts and saw a lot of balls lying around. As a young boy, I just loved playing with the ball — any ball. The coach called us to come play. From then, he invited us to come every day. The rest is history… hahaha.”
That coach was Mr. Martin Dururu, a pivotal figure in Ndlovu’s life and the man who would later inspire him to pursue coaching.
Though volleyball wasn’t the main sport in his army camp community, one club — Black Rhinos — had already laid the groundwork. “It wasn’t that famous because soccer got all the attention. But when our junior team was formed, things changed. Kids and parents started taking notice.”
Support also came from the community. “The primary school in the camp helped us with transport to tournaments. Volleyball became a way of life — it kept us out of trouble.”
A Calling to Coach
It was at university in South Africa that the coaching spark ignited. “I used to coach some high school teams as a part-time job. I enjoyed teaching and sharing what I knew. That’s when I knew I wanted to do it long-term.”
Ndlovu later trained in Thailand and earned FIVB Level 1 and 2 coaching licenses, qualifying him to coach professional and national teams.
His role models were both local and international: “Farai Masawi, Polite Marongwe, Nqobani Phiri and Stewart Zhawakinyu inspired me at home. Internationally, Kumi Nakata of Japan and Brazil’s Dante Amaral were my idols. As a coach, I look up to Mr. Dururu, Mr. Banny Manokora, Mr. Willex Chisvo and Mr. Patrick Gweredza.”
Breaking into Japan
The biggest break came in 2009, during the African Nations Cup in Durban. “Dr. Atsushi Miyoshi, the owner of the Oita Miyoshi Weisse Adler team, was scouting there. We had a Japanese trainer, Mr. Masaki Kashiwagi, who introduced me to him.”
But the opportunity didn’t materialise overnight.
“I couldn’t afford the plane ticket at the time. Dr. Miyoshi waited three years. I finally made it to Japan in 2012. I believe God kept that opportunity for me,” says Ndlovu. “It was my childhood dream to become a pro volleyball player. I knew this was God making it happen.”
Life in Japan was a big adjustment. “The culture, the food, the language — everything was different. Sushi, raw meat, horse meat… hahaha. But the people who welcomed me, including Dr. Miyoshi, were kind and patient. That helped a lot.”
The language barrier was a major challenge in the early days. “I had to rely on interpreters. But over the years, I picked it up. I never went to school for it — I just learned from people around me. I’m now fluent enough to get around and coach.”
Now Coaching at the Top
Today, Ndlovu is part of the coaching staff at Okayama Seagulls, competing at the highest level of women’s volleyball in Japan.
“I’m currently an assistant coach,” he explains. “I try to communicate simply and use my own experiences to guide the players. I support the head coach’s strategy and ensure the team sticks to the game plan.”
The volleyball culture in Japan is miles ahead in terms of structure and professionalism. “In Zimbabwe, we lack resources. Here, the focus on technique, data analysis, and tactical planning is on another level. Volleyball here is a business, so they invest in every detail.”
His proudest moment? “Becoming the head coach of Oita Miyoshi Weisse Adler. I couldn’t have imagined that. I’m grateful to God and all who made it possible.”
Giving Back to Africa
Despite building a life in Japan — he now has a family there — Ndlovu hasn’t forgotten his roots. He’s actively working to create opportunities for African players.
“Two Zimbabwean players have come for trials here because of the connections I helped build. I’m also trying to support junior programs run by some of my childhood teammates. Now that I’m involved in women’s volleyball, I want to see female players from Zimbabwe come here too.”
He hopes his story can help open doors for more African talent.
“There is a lot of talent in Africa. We need more investment and more professional teams. I dream of seeing African teams in the Olympics and World Championships regularly. Volleyball can be a career. It can change lives.”
The Road Ahead
Looking to the future, Ndlovu is clear: “God willing, yes, I want to stay in Japan. But more importantly, I have a family now. I want to be close to them.”
And his message to young Zimbabwean players?
“Keep dreaming. Work hard. Be patient. The world is bigger than what you see. Volleyball took me from Cranborne to Japan. It can take you even further.”
“It was always my dream to become a professional volleyball player. I’m a strong believer in God — and I knew this was God making it happen.” – Murray Pole Ndlovu
“Volleyball kept us out of trouble. It became a way of life.” – Murray Pole Ndlovu
“There is so much talent in Africa. We just need more people to believe in it.” – Murray Pole Ndlovu
