Kada Emeralds head coach Vincent Unogwu says his team will travel to Lagos not just to take part but to defeat the top contenders at the Zone 3 Africa Volleyball Club Championship which will hold at the University of Lagos, from 14th to 19th April 2019.

According to Unogwu, the aim is for Emeralds to surprise opponents at the championship with unforgettable performances hinged on “speed, power, and consistency”.

“We are not only here to play impressive game but to fight it out and win. Speed, power, and consistency are the pillars of our game.

“Kada Emeralds is the rebranded Kaduna State team, and this is the first time we are participating in this event.

“Our target for this championship is unlimited. It may sound ridiculous but we are coming to surprise the Zone and I bet you, our name shall be registered in the hearts of many people after the tournament,” Unogwu said.

The coach’s reputation for unearthing stars from the grassroots is something he takes a lot of pride in. And that is apparent in Emeralds’ squad the bulk of whom participated in last year’s Nigeria Volleyball Premier League in Abuja.

Notwithstanding the makeup of his team, Unogwu believes his girls can attain “perfection” at the tournament and become the “power force of female volleyball in Nigeria”.

“Just like during the last premier league we have one of the youngest sides and we maintain that pedigree with the confidence that we can transform the girls to become the power force of female volleyball in Nigeria.

“We are building and came with 80 percent of our premier league players with an injection of other young but talented players. 

“I know experience matters, and many people in the volleyball circle see me as a grassroots coach. Yes, it is true. But like my assistants, we all believe in fundamental of the game so we put into use our natural call of teaching grassroots by tutoring our players with fundamental skills and techniques, using the principle of intensity and preparation as a path to perfection.”