Online Reporter
Nkosilathi Sibanda, Sports Reporter
PICKLEBALL will step into the spotlight in Bulawayo on Thursday as the city hosts its second Sports Economy Exhibition, with organisers pushing to turn sport into a serious business driver.
The Bulawayo City Council is staging the event at the City Hall Car Park, building on last year’s edition that drew international speakers and local industry players. This time, the focus remains clear, sport as an economic engine.
For the past four years, the local authority has leaned on sports tourism as part of its wider push to revive the city’s economy, betting on a sector they believe is ready to grow if backed by the right investment.
“This event is all about the business, the industry and the innovation behind sports. We are bringing together local industry leaders, sports enthusiasts and technical experts to showcase the true economic power of the ‘City Kings’,” reads part of the council’s promotional material.
Among the disciplines lining up is pickleball, a sport still finding its feet locally but already making noise globally.
The Zimbabwe Pickleball Association has confirmed its participation after receiving a formal invitation, seeing the exhibition as a chance to introduce the game to a wider audience while pitching its commercial potential.
ZPA president Mthandazo Ngwenya believes the moment matters.
“Being invited to exhibit in the heart of Bulawayo is a significant milestone for us. We are eager to demonstrate that pickleball is more than just a game. It is a community builder and a viable economic contributor,” said Ngwenya.
His association is targeting more than curiosity. They want players, structures and investment.
“We want to engage with the public and show them how they can be part of this global movement right here in Zimbabwe,” he said.
During the exhibition, the public will get hands-on access to the sport, with certified instructors taking newcomers through the basics.
National team players and administrators will also be on site, opening pathways into clubs and provincial structures.
Pickleball’s appeal lies in its simplicity. It borrows elements from tennis and table tennis, played on a smaller court with paddles and a lightweight plastic ball, making it easy to pick up across age groups.
That accessibility has driven its rise elsewhere. The sport has exploded in the United States over the past few years, with participation numbers surging and professional tours now established. That global momentum is now filtering into new markets, including Zimbabwe.
For Bulawayo, Thursday’s exhibition is not just about showcasing sport. It is about selling an idea, that sport can create jobs, attract investment and open new opportunities.
Pickleball’s presence fits neatly into that vision. A new sport, still fresh, still open and looking for a foothold.
