adminfranchise is hosting as their way of giving back to the community with proceeds going to the Midlands Rhino Conservancy, which lies 30km south of Kwekwe.
The tournament will be running for the second year in succession and organisers hope to raise about US$5 000.
Eight teams from Zimbabwe and South Africa will be taking part — Harare Stragglers, Rhodocs (Harare), Bulawayo Busters, Masvagas Rodas (Masvingo), Victoria Falls, The Horn Bulls (Dlamini, South Africa), Midlands Old Boys and the Kwekwe Queens.
Zimbabwe’s competitive domestic tournaments are dormant for the winter period, and local franchises are involved in their developmental programmes.
Normally teams from Victoria Falls have minimal representation during the first-class, one day and Twenty20 tournaments and the participation of a team from the resort town could give players a platform to showcase their talent and be snatched by a franchise.
“Cricket Tours Africa has been working with the Mid-West Rhinos and the tournament will be held at Kwekwe Sports Club and Goldridge School,” said Cricket Tours Africa managing director, Ken Connelly.
“It’s what we do every year and we invite all the children from the neighbouring schools in the area.
“Besides raising money, the idea is also to get these children in school to get interested in the game.”
On Friday afternoon, the Kwekwe Old Boys’ team will be hosting the Stragglers at Mbizo Club, which is in the high-density suburbs.
The organisers want to use that game as part of their efforts to spread cricket to other parts of the city.
Nicholas Duncan, a strong advocate and prominent Australian rhino preservation activist, will be visiting the country as one the main guests at the event.
Duncan will be a making a big cricket kit and equipment donation to Mbizo Cricket Club and he will share his expertise in using cricket to make a difference in the environment.
Mbizo currently had training nets and a centre wicket installed and the club will now be fully equipped and the donation will be a huge boost in the club’s development.
“Our sponsors Coldchain Investments from Harare — who also sponsor Mbizo Cricket Club — will be taking care of the refreshments throughout the tournament and they will be catering for over 300 children,” said Connelly.
Online Reporter