Sidumisile Mabena
Rutendo Nyeve
AUTHORITIES have expressed confidence that first-class cricket will be played at the Mosi Oa Tunya Cricket Oval in Victoria Falls by August, with the state-of-the-art facility now more than 80 percent complete.
The centre wicket is approximately 90 percent ready.
A tour of the project on Saturday revealed a hive of activity, showing how a former sand poaching site and animal drinking hole has been transformed into a lush sporting precinct.
Brickwork for the grandstands, media centres, players’ pavilion, and medical facilities is complete, with contractors now focused on roofing and final finishes.
The tour was led by Sports and Recreation Permanent Secretary Mr Nicholas Moyo and Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) Board chairman Mr Tavengwa Mkhuhlane.
Mr Moyo hailed the rapid execution, saying the project stands as a benchmark for other sports federations.
“When one looks at this facility, this was an open space, highly damaged by sand poaching. In just under 24 months, Zimbabwe Cricket has turned this bush into something we can be proud of,” said Mr Moyo.
He credited President Mnangagwa, who officiated the groundbreaking in May 2024, and said the venue would help unearth talent from surrounding rural schools.
ZC chairman Mr Mkhuhlane said the playing field was well ahead of schedule.
“Our target is that come August 2026, we should play our first class game here,” he said.
Floodlights are on site awaiting installation, with final equipment already in transit.
The venue is being developed with an eye on hosting the 2027 World Cup, which Zimbabwe is co-hosting with Namibia and South Africa.
derick.khumalo