Tinaye Agere
Ivan Zhakata
H-Metro Editor Robson Sharuko has called on Zimbabweans to view sports and betting not merely as leisure activities, but as a serious industry supporting livelihoods, creativity and economic development.
Speaking at the highly subscribed H-Metro National Forum on Responsible Betting in Harare today, Sharuko said they have been deliberate in driving narratives that promote awareness, responsibility and value around the betting and sports entertainment industries.
“I want to talk about how I came up with the term Pitchmatch. It was never just a word. It was a campaign. A movement. We wanted people to understand that these games are more than just weekend fun, they are the heartbeat of an entire industry,” he said.
Sharuko said betting, when done responsibly, can be part of a broader, organised sector that creates employment, supports families and fuels media growth.
“There is a misconception that all Pitchmatch events are funded by the Government. That is not true. This is a proper industry, employing thousands of people from vendors at stadiums to journalists, marketers and creatives,” he said.
Sharuko cautioned against irresponsible gambling, particularly by those using essential funds such as school fees or household income.
“Let us be clear, I would never take money meant for my kids’ fees to place a bet. It is about discipline. It is about knowing the line between entertainment and risk,” he added.
There is need for a national conversation around the impact of betting and how platforms like H-Metro play a role in shaping that narrative, added Sharuko.
The H-Metro National Forum on Responsible Betting brought together stakeholders from the media, betting companies, regulators and civil society to explore ethical practices in sports betting and media reporting.
Online Reporter