Cricket academy strives for inclusivity

Sports Reporter

CRICKET development coach Steve Muchenurwa says he aims for more inclusivity in the game through bridging the gaps between genders at grassroots level.

Muchenurwa, who recently launched the SM Cricket Academy, is aiming to spread the nets wider after bringing together budding cricketers from Harare, Bindura, Shamva and Marondera.

The academy caters for different age groups and their mission is to foster a supportive environment where boys and girls can enhance their cricket skills through regular training sessions and matches.

They are currently based in Marondera, but of late have been conducting training sessions as well as playing games at Alexandra Sports Club in Harare.

SM Academy’s focus group is the Under-15 age-group although they also accommodate players from Under-11 to Under-14, with a growing bias in women’s cricket.

“Our main centre is Marondera for now, but we have players from all over the country, mainly Harare. Some come from Bindura and others from the Marondera environs. We have noticed that there is a huge gap in the development of the game. We have a large talent pool and kids that are underprivileged and do not have resources to play cricket.

“This is partly what pushed us to start SM Cricket Academy so that we can accommodate both the privileged and the underprivileged, and try to create a conducive environment and make sure they all get exposure and equal opportunities to play cricket,” said Muchenurwa.

The academy’s co-founder Leecon Hadaga believes more investment is needed in women’s cricket and promoting development among young girls.

“Our aim is to field teams across various age groups from Under-nines to Under-18 for boys and multiple age groups for girls.

“We trust that our database will expand. As the academy rolls, future plans are already laid down which include increasing our match play, touring and collaborating with stakeholders.

“There is need to develop the players’ cricket skills at a tender age,” said Hadaga.

The academy has unearthed promising talents, including Tavonga Mapawona and Daniel Mataruke who were recently selected for the Chisz Cricket team’s tour of South Africa.

SM Cricket Academy has received support from parents and local enterprises that include Meat Grill, Kyros Sports, Genesis Sporting Solutions and Kejad Incorporated.