Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Bulawayo Metropolitan Cricket Association (BMCA) have hit back at the city’s Mayor, David Coltart following his social media criticism of Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC), alleging the governing body is neglecting Bulawayo.
In a statement, the BMCA board said they do not share Coltart’s view, as he has also been indirectly attacking them, adding that his rants cannot go unchallenged.
“The Bulawayo Metropolitan Cricket Association (BMCA) wishes to make it categorically clear that it does not share the views expressed by Mr David Coltart, who continues to attack both Zimbabwe Cricket and indirectly the Bulawayo Metropolitan Cricket Association without any facts, but rather to fulfil his imperialist agenda, which he tries to frame as regional advocacy.
“Mr Coltart’s social media rants have now become predictable and can’t go unchallenged. His efforts of trying to portray Zimbabwe Cricket as regionalists is frivolous, especially considering that he is the only person who has been at the forefront of trying to undermine and curtail the building of an international cricket stadium in the region. He can’t be a critic of such a development yet on one hand purport to be advocating for the same. This is pure hypocrisy,” read the statement.
BMCA said they have always received maximum support from ZC which is evidenced by numerous projects, which ensure the growth and development of the game in the province.
“In his posts, Mr Coltart insinuates that Bulawayo and Matabeleland cricket doesn’t get the required support from Zimbabwe Cricket. As Bulawayo Metropolitan Cricket Association, we would like to make it clear that over the years, we have received substantive support from Zimbabwe Cricket both financially and technically, which has enabled us to carry out some of the landmark projects.”
Some of the projects undertaken by BMCA in the past months include construction of cricket nets at Mahlathini Primary School in Cowdray Park, the resuscitation of the Henry Olonga nets in Nketa, the resuscitation of nets at Baines Junior School, the revamping of the Milton High School cricket fields, which hosted its first cricket match in over 20 years in February.
“Zimbabwe Cricket has also acquired a fully furnished academy house in Burnside for the province, which accommodates 35 players. Currently, Zimbabwe Cricket has also procured floodlights for Queens Sports Club and are currently awaiting installation.
“Zimbabwe Cricket has also availed funds to upgrade Emakhandeni Cricket ground with the target of making it a first-class venue by 2028. Work has already commenced, with the installation of a 100 000-litre reservoir and connections to the borehole already completed.
The resuscitation of Ncema cricket ground is another milestone project in the region. All these projects are wholly funded by Zimbabwe Cricket through grants extended to the Bulawayo Metropolitan Cricket Association,” the provincial governing body said.
BMCA said they have previously approached the office of the Mayor requesting waivers for rates for stadiums and clubs but have not found any luck and as such, the decline of some facilities.
“It is interesting to note that as leaders of sports associations, managing various infrastructure, we have previously approached the office of the mayor requesting for waivers on rates for sporting stadia and sports clubs especially those based in disadvantaged communities without any success. Council, up to date continues to charge commercial rates.
Without a shadow of doubt, this has contributed significantly to the decline of standards at these sports clubs yet Mr Coltart continues to politic with the issue.”
The board called on the Mayor to refrain from “spreading misinformation.”
“As an association we would like to urge, Mr David Coltart to refrain from spreading misinformation with the intention of causing disharmony amongst cricket lovers in the region and the country at large. Bulawayo Metropolitan Cricket association would like to encourage the mayor to verify his information as well as approach the association if he is sincere about his concerns.”
