‘Participation of masses key in cricket growth’

Lovemore Dube, Zimpapers Sports Hub

VETERAN Bulawayo Metropolitan based cricket grassroots development coach Pollock Mubobo, says for cricket to develop, it must be played by the masses.

This he said will widen the base for selection of future national teams. He said it also strengthens club league cricket as well as the Logan Cup teams in the future when basics are taught at an early age.

Mubobo said the Old Mutual/Cabs School of Excellence Programme, which has 40 school teams for boys and girls playing cricket competitively with grassroots coaching was a welcome development in the rise of cricket. He said what is encouraging is the fact that most of the schools are in the Western Suburbs where the majority of Bulawayo lives.

“For cricket to improve and even grow, it must be played by the majority of the population, which is what is happening with this Old Mutual/Cabs sponsored programme. The fundamental point about development is with this programme, we are starting at a very low level, teaching them what they must capture and grow up with,” said Mubobo.

The programme has been spread to Victoria Falls, where boys and girls under the age of 13 are benefitting.

The schools, which are part of the programme are Aisbley, Baines, Baobab, Indlovu Iyanyathela, Josiah Chinamano, Mahlathini, Mtshingwe, EATC, Chemabondo, SOS Herman German, Thomas Rudland, Old Colts, CABS Select, REPS, Charlestone, Gampu, Magwegwe, Sigombe, Mazwi and Mgiqika.

Ntombi Khumalo, the co-ordinator of the programme said all had gone well this time in the programme with all set for the finals, which are scheduled to be played at the Old Mutual/Cabs Centre on August 2.

“All has gone smoothly and the build up to the finals is going on smoothly with a lot of cricket activity at the schools and among themselves,” said Khumalo.

The sponsors believe their initiative is helping transform cricket, among talented and aspiring youngsters.

The tournament helps transform the lives of talented and aspiring cricketers, especially those hailing from high-density suburbs, who have no access to sports facilities and equipment. The tournament offers these talented youth and those with a desire to learn, the opportunity to showcase their abilities with the hopes that they may perhaps one day represent their School, University, Club, Province or Country with pride, determination and above all — a smile.

“The tournament identifies talent and nominates players to attend provincial age group trials relevant to ability and potential. The tournament also inspires and motivates girls to get involved in playing competitive cricket tournaments at the Academy. With a genuine intent and desire to shape a brighter world for the children of Zimbabwe, the Academy employs professional coaches and match-officials capable of providing leadership, direction and quality training programs before and after the games that result in the development of the game at the grassroots level, producing young cricket stars ripe for the international stage,” said the sponsors in a statement.

On August 2 — 550 players are expected to throng the facility for a day of limited overs action by tomorrow’s future stars.