adminCaroline Magenga Sports Reporter
AUSTRALIA’S deputy ambassador to Zimbabwe Joel McGregor says his nation shares a strong emotional attachment with this country which is being highlighted by the high-profile tour by cricketers from Down Under.
The Aussies are the number one ranked ODI team in the world and will take on South Africa in what promises to be an explosive tie at Harare Sports Club today.
It’s the Aussies first tour to this country in 10 years after they were kept away by politicians in their country.
McGregor said they have a “strong emotional attachment with Zimbabwe” during a hockey kit presentation ceremony at Magamba Stadium yesterday.
Eradicators Hockey Club received playing gear that was sourced by former Eradicators player Dominic Chinanga, and his sister Sandra, who are based in Australia.
McGregor, who was the guest of honour at the function, said Australia was going to send more sports teams to Zimbabwe.
“It’s an absolute pleasure for Australia to be involved in sport as a whole with Zimbabwe, obviously we have the Australian cricket team here at the moment, there will be some other Australians coming in the near future for training with the Zim Schools water polo team and it’s great to see support coming in for hockey as well,” said McGregor.
“Australia has a strong attachment with hockey as we have a strong emotional attachment with Zimbabwe.”
The Chinanga siblings sourced the hockey playing equipment from Frankton Hockey Club in Victoria and asked the Australian Government to help them ship it to Zimbabwe.
“When we found out about the transfer of the equipment we were very keen to make sure that we were able to come over here as well,
“The one thing I would say up front is that the gifting of this equipment is important because it represents not just a gift from the Australian Government to the people of Zimbabwe but it’s a gift from the Australian people to the people McGregor.”
Online Reporter