adminBulawayo used to have a number of representatives in the national team but of late there have not been any women cricket activities.
Moyo said unlike the men’s sport that has so many sponsors, it was difficult for women’s cricket to get sponsorship.
He also highlighted that they had lost a number of women cricketers due to inactivity.
“The general feeling at a meeting that was held recently was that women’s cricket is not as lucrative as that of their male counterparts. He said what made the situation worse for women was that they play tournaments after two years or so. They do not have television rights like the men’s cricket and at the end of the day it is difficult to keep these girls together.
“Some have moved on to search for greener pastures because there are no incentives for them. There is therefore need to address these shortcomings so that girls can also enjoy the sport,” said Moyo.
Bulawayo used to have a number of cricketers in the women’s national team who include former captain Shane Mayers, Thando Mlilo who won an award at the ZC 2010 ceremony for being a top player and Sinikiwe Mpofu.
Moyo said they were negotiating with potential sponsors so that they set up a league for women.
“We are looking at setting up a league this year after getting some promises from some companies. We also want to fix our bus so that when we start the games we are in a position to transport the girls from point A to B. Most of these players are school-going and do not have money for transport to the games,” said Moyo.
He said what was encouraging was that the sport was popular at some schools.
Moyo said last week a tournament for school- going girls was called off at the last minute after failing to attract funding.
He said they had targeted schools as part of their women’s cricket developmental plans.
“Last week we had a tournament in Harare which was indefinitely postponed due to lack of funding. Right now we hope to get corporate support to organise Under-15s and Under-19s inter-franchise tournaments.
“Eveline High School, Nemane Secondary in Tsholotsho, Mpopoma High School and Maphisa Secondary are some of the schools with girls cricket. Last week we had St James Secondary playing against Emakhandeni Select and this shows that at grassroot the sport is being played,” Moyo said.
Online Reporter