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Ruvarashe Chimanga Journalism student
Mufakose-based cricket academy is grooming young talent for future players.
Don Cricket Academy which is led by Donald Sihambi is promising to supply clubs and national teams with players.
Despite facing challenges the academy has proved to be a force to reckon with in the high-density suburb of Mufakose.
Having started in 2016 it has since blossomed.
Popularly known as Coach Don, the coach said basically they are lacking equipment to use and mostly funding.
“Basically training facilities, nets, we have got poor nets, but we are improvising.
“We also do not have equipment, but most of all funding,” he said.
Sihambi explained that he needed help again with transportation and food from other cooperates, who could donate food for the academy.
In the conversation, he also explained that the club has got talent.
“We have got talent and tapping talent already, with the talent we are not worried, all we just need is sponsorship “, he said.
In an interview with another coach, Coach Wilber said that they need support for the club to go far.
“We need transport money, proper nets, equipment like bets and boards, but mostly money to pay for the league,” he said.
While speaking Ruvimbo Madziva, a 17-year-old girl who is also a member of the club explained that cricket is going to help her go far because she doesn’t go to school anymore.
“Cricket is helping me a lot by communicating with different people and seeing different views of the world,” she said.
She also said that her wish is to be on the national team.
The Academy also played against Zimbabwe under 19, Glenview 1 and 2, and other clubs which are Waterfalls, Domboshava, and Goromonzi.
The coach also said:
“We are trying to work the best that we can from the kids, get the best talent then they can go and compete for any trials of both girls and boys.”
However, it has been noted that participation in sport improves children’s educational attainment and skills development including empowerment, leadership, and self-esteem – contributing to their overall well-being and future prospects, according to new research released today by the Barça Foundation and UNICEF.
“It’s long been understood that sport promotes children’s health and physical development, but now we have solid evidence to suggest that sport can have a powerful impact on their overall education and life skills development,” said UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Charlotte Petri Gornitzka.
“We must use this evidence to inspire investment in sports for children, especially the most vulnerable.”
Online Reporter