Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube, [email protected]
BULAWAYO is ready to play host to what organisers believe will be a very exciting Confederation of Sports for Schools in Southern Africa Championships set to start on Monday next week.
The Games are expected to attract participants from Southern Africa countries.
Primary and secondary school pupils drawn from member countries were selected through rigorous exercises from inter-house within schools, cluster, district, provincial and national competitions.
After member States failed to take up hosting this year, Zimbabwe stepped in to save the Games and a generation of promising athletes and ball game stars will get international exposure at an early age.
The Games have over the past two decades been an important aspect of talent development within the region as some of the top sprinters in Southern Africa having been part of the competitions and these include sprinters like Letsile Tebogo.
Giyani Moyo, a member of the organising team’s media department said they were pulling all the stops to ensure Bulawayo plays host to very good Games.
Moyo is from the National Association of Primary School Heads.
He was flanked by his compatriot from the National Association of Secondary School Heads, Kelvin Dube who also expressed hope of good Games.
The Games will start on Monday and end on Wednesday with a prize giving ceremony.
Members of the Cossasa executive committee led by Zimbabwean Arthur Maphosa are expected in Bulawayo tomorrow.
“On Thursday they will meet members of the local organising committee and Government officials. Friday will be accreditation day and final technical meeting,” said Moyo.
Dube said they expected member countries to arrive on Friday.
“We expect athletes from other countries to arrive on Friday and we are making arrangements that they be received at Beitbridge and Ramokgwebana borders by our members who will ensure smooth entry. We are looking forward to having the teams training on Sunday ahead of kick off on Monday,” said Dube.
On Sunday there will be a welcoming ceremony led by Provincial Affairs Minister Judith Ncube.
Bulawayo has seen schools sport take a lead in sports tourism over the years.
