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AN elite Harare private school – Direct Contact – has roped in a top squash coach for the development of its junior players.
The idea to expose young students to squash is the brainchild of both Direct Contact School’s authorities and one of the country’s best squash coaches, Mashumba Mukumba.
It is a development that Mukumba believes will help to produce a wholesome student capable of developing a healthy lifestyle as well as becoming leading lights in the promotion of the sport around Zimbabwe.
“It’s not a secret that squash is not well-known or popular like other sporting disciplines like soccer but there are vast opportunities to be exploited in the sport.
“Squash is a demanding sport in which a player dives, leaps and runs for the ball, hence improves cardiovascular health, agility, fitness and strength.
“Above all it’s a sport through which one can represent the country in major international events,” said Mukumba.
He said the experience he gained from travelling around the world made him realise the need for squash development back home and believes his partnership with Direct Contact School will take the sport to greater heights.
“I have been far and near with this sport, I’ve been to places like Hong Kong, South Africa, Namibia and Denmark gathering knowledge, rubbing shoulders with great players from around the world and it is that experience I bring on the table.
“One good thing I realised is, students like Kuziva Magadza and Tinotenda Mahachi are fast learners, disciplined and enthusiastic and with that attitude our partnership will blossom.
“We hope to join the active schools league played by most private schools early next year and sending children to participate in the Mashonaland Squash Championships,’’ said Mukumba.
The school’s director, Wellington Koke, added that it was their desire as a reputable learning institution to add squash to their wide range of sporting activities to complement their excellent tuition.
“For long, we have been known for academic excellence but the board of directors saw it fit to reinforce that with complimenting sporting activities such as squash, hockey and swimming, among others,” said Koke.
They started playing squash on September 11 and they are playing at Belgravia Sports Club both primary and high school.
According to the internationally respected Forbes magazine, squash is rated as the healthiest sport ahead of activities like swimming, cycling and basketball.
Online Reporter