Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
MATABELELAND South has begun preparations for the 2026 Zimbabwe National Youth and Paralympic Games, with provincial leaders rallying the corporate sector, development partners and communities to support a team determined to defend its title. As momentum builds towards the national showcase, officials are mobilising resources and calling on stakeholders to ensure the province’s young athletes head to Marondera fully equipped to compete for top honours.
The return of the Zimbabwe National Youth Games has generated excitement across the country’s sporting fraternity. The competition, one of Zimbabwe’s premier youth sporting events, has been absent for six years, with the last edition held in Midlands Province in 2019. Following years of disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Games are finally set to return, with Mashonaland East hosting the event from 13 to 26 August in Marondera.
For Matabeleland South, the mission extends beyond participation. The province heads into the Games as defending champions and officials have made it clear that their target is to retain the crown. Confidence remains high following their impressive performance in 2019, and there is growing belief that another successful campaign is within reach.
To mount a serious defence of the title, the province is preparing to send a delegation of 300 people made up of 280 athletes and 20 officials, coaches and medical personnel. The team will compete in a wide range of disciplines, reflecting the depth of talent available across the province.
Under the Youth Games programme, Matabeleland South athletes will compete in athletics, basketball, boxing, football, netball, table tennis, tennis and volleyball. The Paralympic team will also be strongly represented in athletics for visually impaired athletes, Special Olympics athletics, goalball, hearing-impaired football and hearing-impaired netball.
However, the scale of the undertaking comes with significant financial demands. Provincial authorities estimate they require US$177,904.50 to prepare and facilitate participation at the Games. The budget will cover transport, accommodation, meals, sporting equipment, training camps, administration costs and the general welfare of the entire delegation during the two-week competition.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe, said the Games play a crucial role in developing young people beyond sport.
“The Zimbabwe National Youth Games give young Zimbabweans a chance to show their talent, build confidence, learn discipline and help grow sport in our country,” he said.
Nguluvhe said the province would approach the Games with the mentality of champions.
“We approach these Games with pride, determination and responsibility. We are not travelling to Marondera just to participate. We are going to compete as defending champions.”
The Minister’s remarks underline the determination within Team Matabeleland South. Officials believe the province has both the talent and preparation required to challenge for medals across multiple sporting codes.
Reflecting on the province’s previous success, Nguluvhe noted that Matabeleland South won 19 medals at the 2019 Games, comprising eight gold, six silver and five bronze medals. He attributed that achievement to the collective efforts of athletes, coaches, technical officials, administrators, parents and the wider sporting community.
“This shows the talent we have here. It also shows what we can achieve when we work together as a team,” he said.
To ensure another strong showing, the Minister appealed for support from mines, businesses, banks, local authorities, non-governmental organisations, development partners, companies and individuals.
“Supporting these young athletes is more than sport. It is an investment in youth development, community empowerment and the future of our province and nation,” he said.
“Our athletes have shown commitment and talent. They deserve to compete with confidence and represent Matabeleland South with pride.”
Preparations are already underway, with training programmes having started and athlete selection taking place across the province’s seven districts. Officials are working to identify the best talent available while ensuring teams are adequately prepared for the competition ahead.
“While preparatory work has started, we still need resources to make sure these efforts lead to success at the Games,” he said.
As part of efforts to raise the required funding, Matabeleland South will host a major fundraising event in Collen Bawn on 10 July. The initiative is expected to bring together stakeholders from across the province and beyond in support of the team.
Nguluvhe described the fundraising drive as a call to action, stressing the importance of ensuring athletes have all the resources needed to travel, compete effectively and uphold the province’s proud sporting legacy.
The Zimbabwe National Youth Games have become one of the country’s most important sporting development platforms since their introduction in Bulawayo in 2003. Designed to promote sport among young people under the age of 20, the Games provide a pathway for talented athletes to develop and gain national exposure.
The selection process begins at grassroots level through school competitions and local leagues before progressing to district championships. The best performers are then chosen to represent their provinces at the national finals.
Beyond the battle for medals, the Games play a key role in promoting life skills, unity and youth empowerment. They also assist national sporting associations in identifying future stars while encouraging investment in sporting infrastructure.
For Matabeleland South, the challenge is now clear. The province possesses the talent, the experience and the ambition to defend its title. The focus now shifts to securing the resources needed to ensure its athletes arrive in Marondera ready to compete, ready to excel and ready to bring the gold back home.
