Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere and Lovemore Dube, Zimpapers Sports Hub
BULAWAYO City is set to benefit from a new government directive mandating local authorities to set aside seven percent of their revenue for sport and recreation.
The announcement was made by Nicholas Moyo, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sport, during an all-stakeholders meeting last week attended by delegates from five provinces, including Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South, Bulawayo, Masvingo, and Midlands.
“All revenue collected must have seven percent going into the sport and recreation user cost centre for improvement of facilities and activities,” said Moyo. “This is expected to improve facilities and help in the fight against drug and substance abuse.”
Bulawayo Deputy Mayor Edwin Ndlovu confirmed that the city will allocate seven percent of its 2025 budget to rehabilitate recreational facilities. He spoke during the funeral service of the late Warriors, Chicken Inn, Railstars, and Orlando Pirates striker Tendai “Fire” Ndoro on Sunday.
“Ndoro managed his life well, staying clear of drug and substance abuse that continues to affect our youth. He will be remembered by millions as we fight the scourge he did not engage in,” said Ndlovu.
He added: “As Bulawayo City Council, we appreciate the role Ndoro played in inspiring young people. Sport is now more than entertainment—it can be a high-paying career. Icons like Sadio Mane and Lionel Messi have made it through football. The church and institutions like Guta RaMwari also play a crucial role in grooming youth.”
Bulawayo City Council has been reviewing policies to revive and revamp community recreational centres, many of which have suffered years of neglect. Facilities in suburbs such as Sizinda, Tshabalala, Luveve, Lobengula, and Mzilikazi, including the Bulawayo Municipality Swimming Pool, will now receive attention.
With these new efforts, the council hopes to breathe new life into sports associations and clubs, restoring the city’s glory in local and national competitions.
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