Online Reporter
Daniel Chigunwe-Herald Correspondent
In the picturesque landscapes of Mashonaland Central province, a dynamic shift is taking place, where sports tourism is intertwining with community empowerment, especially the fight against drug and substance abuse.
The rise of footgolf—a captivating sport that fuses the excitement of football with the precision of golf—has become a pivotal force in driving local development.
As the province embraces this innovative sport, it is not only attracting visitors, but also fostering economic growth and strengthening community ties.
The landscapes of Kanyemba, Mazowe, and Bindura are witnessing a remarkable shift. Introduced in Zimbabwe just a few years ago, footgolf is rapidly gaining traction across the Southern African Development Community (SADC), with countries like Zambia, Namibia, South Africa, and Botswana embracing the sport.
At the forefront of this initiative is Senator Eleven Kambizi, a passionate advocate for footgolf and regional champion. Under his guidance, Mashonaland Central is set to unveil the first standalone state-of-the-art footgolf course at the Stone and Water Resort in Mvurwi.
The project took a significant step forward last year during a groundbreaking ceremony officiated by Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Christopher Magomo.
The development marks a historic milestone for the region, as it prepares to host the Mashonaland Central Patron’s Footgolf Tournament, attracting participants from all 10 provinces.
“We are excited about this sport, footgolf, and community empowerment,” said Sen Kambizi.
Not only is this tournament a celebration of sport, it also serves as a qualifier for the World Cup qualifier scheduled for Victoria Falls later this year.
With the first phase of the footgolf stadium nearing completion, the course boasts nine golf tees. However, Sen Kambizi emphasises that a full course will eventually feature 18 tees, solidifying Mashonaland Central’s status as a leader in promoting this innovative sport.
“This is the first state-of-the-art footgolf course in the SADC region, making us champions in the realm of sports tourism,” he stated proudly.
The impact of footgolf extends beyond just sports; it has become a catalyst for community empowerment.
The sport has gained popularity in various districts, including Mbire, Guruve, Mazowe, Shamva, and Bindura. Local leadership is harnessing this platform to spearhead initiatives aimed at uplifting communities.
“In the past year, we have organised tournaments that focus on community development, addressing issues such as food security, access to clean water, and raising awareness against drug abuse and child marriages,” Sen Kambizi noted.
One of the notable supporters of this movement is Mr Vitalis Kereke, a philanthropic businessman and the owner of Stone and Water Resort. Mr Kereke’s commitment to promoting sports at his establishment has led to a fruitful partnership with the Zimbabwe Footgolf Association.
He has previously hosted national boxing tournaments, beauty pageants, and many events, establishing the resort as a dynamic venue for diverse activities.
Mr Kereke sees these initiatives as closely aligned with the Government’s devolution agenda and rural modernisation efforts.
“We are committed to modernising the Village Business Units and envision a future where our resort becomes a one-stop destination for local, regional, and international tourists,” he explained.
His vision is to create a vibrant hub that combines entertainment with socio-economic development.
As part of the Africa Day celebrations, the resort hosted the Miss Stone and Water Resort beauty pageant yesterday, showcasing local cuisine and promoting gastronomy tourism.
“We believe in addressing real community issues through our events, especially concerning the vulnerable girl child. This Africa Day, we focused on promoting our traditional dishes, taking inspiration from our esteemed First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa,” Mr Kereke added.
Stone and Water Resort stands out for its unique approach to agro-tourism, featuring a thriving livestock enterprise and horticulture farming. Situated along the banks of Gulliver Dam, the resort not only provides its own fresh produce for visitors, but also offers a 7km sunset boat cruise, making it a memorable experience for tourists.
The combination of footgolf, community initiatives, and agro-tourism positions Mashonaland Central as a rising star in the tourism sector. As the province continues to harness the power of sport for empowerment and development, it showcases the potential of blending traditional community values with modern tourism strategies.
With the upcoming footgolf tournament and various community projects on the horizon, Mashonaland Central is paving the way for a brighter, more empowered future.
The commitment of local leaders, businesses, and communities to work together is a testament to the transformative power of sport and tourism in uplifting lives and fostering unity.
