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Eddie Chikamhi Senior Sports Reporter
YOUTH, Sport, Arts and Recreation Minister, Kirsty Coventry, has made a passionate appeal for increased budget allocation to help improve performances in the sector.
Coventry made the plea to President Mnangagwa, who was the guest of honour at the ceremony to welcome countries taking part in the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2021.
The swimming icon said sport could contribute effectively to the economic development of the nation, as well as lift Zimbabwe’s flag on the global stage, if Treasury channelled more resources, towards the sector.
Coventry said sport occupied a key place in Government’s National Development Strategy 1.
“Your Excellency, I know you fondly expect sport to significantly contribute towards economic development and transformation within our National Development Strategy 1,’’ said Coventry.
“And, in that vein, I passionately appeal for increased budgetary allocation towards the sport and recreation sector, during the upcoming 2022 national budgeting process by Treasury.
“Adequate resourcing will put my Ministry, National Associations and other delivery agents in a stronger position to take sport to all corners of the country, improve performance standards and stage more competitions such as the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifiers that attract more tourists and help put Zimbabwe on the world map.’’
The Ministry was allocated Z$3.4 billion last year, which was a fraction, of their original bid.
As a result, they could not accomplish most of their tasks or were forced to scale down some of their activities.
Results on the international scene have eluded many Zimbabwean athletes, with only five athletes making it to the Tokyo Olympic Games, this year.
This was the second smallest Zimbabwean team at the showcase.
The Ministry also needs more funding for infrastructure.
Some of the fears raised earlier in the year, following the presentation of the 2021 budget allocation, came back to haunt the industry later on, following the banishment of the National Sports Stadium, by the Confederation of African Football.
The giant stadium has been barred, from hosting international matches, until it is renovated to the minimum standards required by CAF.
The running of the facility has been transferred from the Ministry of Local Government to the Ministry of Sport.
Areas that require urgent attention, for the stadium to meet required standards, includes the installation of bucket seats, electronic turnstiles and automated systems. There is also need for the setting up of a Venue Operations Centre, with a good overview of the stadium, equipped with CCTV monitors, for security and safety operations.
CAF also want the B Arena renovated, in line with CAF Training field infrastructure, requirements.
Coventry said improved budgets would also encourage associations to bid for more international events, like the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier, taking place in Harare.
Government is in full support of the initiative by the ZC, in which they are hosting eight countries, which include Pakistan, Ireland, Thailand, USA, Netherlands, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and the West Indies.
“Your Excellency, we are grateful to you and the Government of Zimbabwe for approving the ICC to host the Women’s Cricket World Cup qualifying tournament in Zimbabwe.
“The support and commitment shown by the Government will definitely make this event a resounding success,” said Coventry.
Online Reporter