Chronicle Editor
Brandon Moyo, [email protected]
THIRTEEN primary schools from Bulawayo converged at Masiyephambili Junior School for a two-day girls’ cricket extravaganza at the weekend.
The schools comprised Insukamini, Mtshingwe, Whitestone, Magwegwe, REPS, St Thomas, Charlestone Trust, Helemu, Centenary, Masiyephambili, Baines, Petra and Mazwi.
The girls’ Under-13 tournament was aimed at boosting grassroots development in the city, as most schools are just starting girls’ cricket.
Mazwi Primary won the tournament after beating Magwegwe Primary in the final. Whitestone School secured the plate final after defeating Charlestone Trust, while Insukamini claimed the wooden spoon following their victory over Mtshingwe Primary.
Masiyephambili Junior School sports director, Vezubuhle Ntuliki, praised the tournament.
“Firstly, I would like to thank all the teams and schools that participated and parents who support this worthy initiative. I urge coaches and players to keep up the hard work. The main aim was to empower girls in cricket development and spread the game, as most schools in Matabeleland are only starting to introduce girls’ cricket,” said Ntuliki.
“The youngsters played exceptionally well. This tournament fostered interest, competitiveness and unity among schools from the eastern and western suburbs. Although good cricket skills were displayed, more practice and understanding of the game’s laws are needed.”
The tournament, first introduced last year with six teams, saw double the number of competitors this year and Ntuliki hopes it will be bigger next year.
“We hosted the Under-11 boys’ tournament on September 27-28 with 12 schools. In two weeks, we will host the Under-13 boys’ tournament with various city schools participating,” he said.
Magwegwe Primary School’s Charity Mpofu was named player and batter of the tournament. Vuyiswa Siziba from Mazwi Primary was adjudged bowler of the tournament, while Trisha Muchongwe from Magwegwe secured the wicket-keeper accolade. — @brandon_malvin.
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