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Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
THE Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Andrew Langa is today expected to give a definite position on the issue of floodlights at White City Stadium, venue for athletics during the African Union Sports Council Region 5 Under-20 Youth Games.
The Games will start on December 5 and run up to December 15. They will be officially opened by President Mugabe on December 4.
Almost all the venues are ready for use except White City Stadium which is yet to have a tartan track erected, long and triple jump pitches dug as well as the installation of the floodlights to allow for athletics to be held in the evening.
African Union Region 5 secretary general and chairman of the regional organising committee Mvuzo Mbebe ordered the installation of the floodlights during his last visit to the city.
He said athletics will not be held in the afternoon because of the high temperatures during this time of the year.
Officials have been evasive about the floodlights issue but Minister Langa last week said they have to be installed. Some officials reportedly suggested that Luveve Stadium floodlights be transferred to White City Stadium.
“I’ll be in Bulawayo tomorrow where I’ll visit White City and obviously other venues so I’ll suggest that we talk then about this floodlights issue,” said Minister Langa yesterday.
Floodlights have however, been installed at the stadium’s netball courts.
Very soon, the marketing department will start branding all the venues as the Games fever continues to rise.
Region 5 Games Venues
Athletics: White City Stadium
Basketball: ZITF Hall Three and Four
Boxing: Large City Hall
Football: Luveve and Barbourfields Stadium
Judo: ZITF Hall Five
Netball: White City Stadium
Tennis: Bulawayo Athletics Club
Swimming: Bulawayo Swimming Pool
Games Village: Hillside Teachers’ College
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