adminLAST Friday’s announcement that the Government had taken over the construction of a stadium in Tsholotsho is wonderful news.The revelation by the Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Professor Jonathan Moyo at the construction site should be exciting for the people of Tsholotsho.
Professor Moyo disclosed that the building of a stadium in Tsholotsho meets the national policy planning objective that is why the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing headed by Dr Ignatius Chombo had deployed a team of specialists to the site.
A challenge was given to the stadium construction committee led by Tsholotsho High School headmaster Sicelo Dube to work hard for the benefit of the Tsholotsho community and ensure that the deadline is met.
Even those who were said to be already working on the facility who have since been informed to cease their operations to pave way for experts should be commended for their efforts. It shows that where there is a will there surely is a way. The vision and resourcefulness displayed by the determined Tsholotsho community in their bid to bring football to their area should spur many across the country to stay focused and resolute even in the face of adversity.
The coming in of a renowned firm, JR Goddard Construction, should speed up work on the stadium which is hugely going to uplift football not only in Tsholotsho but in Matabeleland North.
Besides Hwange Colliery, there is no other facility in Matabeleland North which meets international requirements. Tsholotsho Football Club who have been promoted into the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League are going to have to shift their base to use Bulawayo City Council facilities in their maiden season in the top flight.
Now that work on their home stadium is being expedited, that should serve as a huge inspiration to the Lizwe Sweswe-coached side. People of Tsholotsho should soon be able to watch some of the best players in the land even in the continent should Tsholotsho FC win the league title or the most lucrative cup competition in the land.
Development of sporting infrastructure in Matabeleland has lagged behind since Independence with most of the football stadiums built before 1980 though these have been refurbished over the years.
The challenge is now up to Tsholotsho FC to stay in the PSL and not get relegated in their first season for all these efforts by everyone involved would have gone to waste if they fail to stay in the country’s top league.
Prospects of them playing their matches at home should spur Tsholotsho FC to strive to do well this season. They do not need any further encouragement.
There should be a lot of excitement all around Tsholotsho as what seemed like a big dream is now turning into a reality with the coming in of the Government. The country needs to spread the beautiful game to all its corners and such moves by the Government should see rural areas also nurture talent and possibly serve as a springboard for future qualification for such competitions as the Africa Nations Cup that Zimbabwe has followed via television over the years due to failure to qualify.
Online Reporter