Nqobile Bhebhe
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GOVERNMENT has been urged to increase financial support for the national rugby and cricket teams ahead of their upcoming international World Cup assignments, with Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Sport chairperson Farai Jere proposing a combined allocation of US$3,5 million to support the country’s participation.
The proposed funding is aimed at ensuring that the national rugby team, the Sables, receive adequate financial backing for their historic World Cup appearance in Australia next year, while the national cricket team is also adequately as they prepare to co-host the ICC World Cup next year.
Speaking during the ongoing 2027 National Budget Pre-Budget Seminar in Bulawayo yeaterday, Jere said the Sables’ qualification for the global tournament was a significant national achievement that deserved Government recognition through direct fiscal support.
“The qualification of the national rugby team to Australia is an important achievement to this country which needs to be celebrated and supported by the fiscus.
“So I would like to recommend if we can allocate US$1million for the rugby team, plus US$400 000 for the members of parliament to accompany them.
“That is why we recommended that chairperson from all committees, travel with the national team to Australia next year.
“So that will be roughly US$400 000. I do not think that is a lot of money.”
Jere said the proposed parliamentary delegation would provide an opportunity for legislators to demonstrate national support for the team as it represents Zimbabwe on the global stage.
He also appealed for continued financial backing for the national cricket team, drawing parallels with previous Government support extended to the country’s sporting representatives.
“I was also appealing to the Minister of Finance if we can allocate a million dollars like what we did last year with
our national football team when they qualified for Africa Cup of Nations, that will actually promote the inclusiveness,” he said.
His proposals place sports financing among the issues requiring attention in the 2027 National Budget, particularly as Zimbabwe seeks to strengthen its presence in international competitions.
The Sables’ qualification for the Rugby World Cup is a major milestone for Zimbabwean rugby, providing an opportunity to raise the country’s sporting profile, inspire participation at grassroots level and stimulate wider interest in the game.
Adequate preparation funding will be critical in enabling the team to compete effectively, while also meeting logistical, technical and player welfare requirements associated with participation at the highest level.
For cricket, sustained financial support is equally important in strengthening the national team’s competitiveness and ensuring that the country maximises opportunities presented by major international tournaments.
Jere’s appeal comes as Government works on expenditure priorities for the coming financial year, with competing demands across key sectors placing pressure on available resources.
