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Sikhumbuzo Moyo recently in Hwange
A Zimbabwe cricket development coach in Matabeleland North has devised a new and economic way of spreading the game to different corners of the province using locally made bats which are cheaper.
The bats are made from teak wood which is found locally and the bats cost as little as $5 compared to the standard English Willow bat which costs a minimum of $80.
Coach Aaron Phiri said even the so called poor schools will now be able to play cricket because of the cheap bats made by a Victoria Falls based sculptor.
“It makes no sense for a poor school that’s trying to introduce cricket to go for expensive bats. It’s probably the main reason why the sport is viewed as elitist but with our introduction of this bat, I’m confident that more schools will take up the sport,” said Phiri.
He said while the bat has a shorter lifespan compared to the standard one, it provided schools with an opportunity to embrace the game and once the pupils master it, schools will then buy the standard bat for competitions.
An elated head in charge of cricket in Matabeleland North, Fiona Ndlovu said they will not hesitate to source the new bats in their effort to promote the sport in the province.
“We’re very happy indeed as school administrators as this bat will see more schools in the province introducing the sport. Everyone is happy with the bats and are looking forward to buying them,” said Ndlovu, a headmistress at Gebuza High School in Hwange.
Meanwhile, Phiri said they will hold a three-day cricket workshop for Matabeleland North and Bulawayo schools at Queens Sports Club starting today where they will also take the opportunity to introduce the new bat to Bulawayo teachers.
Online Reporter