Former high school star player continues to shine

Mitchell’s Plain Volleyball Club were crowned winners in the men’s divisions at last week’s Cape Town Volleyball Federation (CTVF) pre-season indoor Top 4 finals, at Athlone civic centre, following a 2-1 against UWC.

Club chairman and head coach, Clint Stemmet was named player of the match and received the inaugural Gershon Rorich award, named in honour of the SA volleyball stalwart, who died in 2023. 

Stemmet, a once-prolific high school volleyball player, along with many of his current teammates, were part of the Spine Road High team that took part in the International School Federation's under-17 world cup, in Croatia, in 2006.

Established in 2022 and based at Spine Road High School, MPVC established itself as a force to be reckoned with in a relatively short time on the club circuit.

Its senior men’s side won an open tournament in the Cape Winelands District and the CTVF summer league 2023, were runners-up at the federation’s Women's Day tournament in 2024.

Its under-19 girls’ squad were back-to-back CTVF league winners in 2023 and 2024.

The MPVC youngsters also impressed at the weekend’s CTVF Open Tournament in Century City, with the under-19 girls winning their division and the boys reaching the finals that must still be played.

“The idea of the club was to create a pathway to university,” said Stemmet, who is also women’s head coach at UWC and assists with coaching at Cornflower Primary School in Lentegeur.

“Our primary focus was on girls. Our under-19 girls team are the CTVF  2023 and 2024 league champions,” he said. 

“The interest in volleyball is growing very fast and we need to create a platform for the kids to play. It will also help if we can get some sponsors on board to help mainly with meals on the day and equipment,” he said.