adminmembers from the security forces.
The call by the President, follows the performance by Team Zimbabwe taking part in the All-Africa Games in Maputo, Mozambique.
President Mugabe said the security forces had demonstrated potential after the Zimbabwe Republic Police secured 55 medals-19 gold, 16 silver and 20 bronze – during the 7th Southern African Regional Police Chiefs Corporation Organisation held in Lumbubashi, DRC last month.
The Head of State and Government and Commander-In-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces said this during a welcome reception held for the ZRP team at Morris Depot yesterday. He said this was
achieved through discipline and if the same situation was in Maputo, then the Team Zimbabwe would have more medals.
“For someone to go such a grueling competition you have to be disciplined but we are proud that you have done (the ZRP). I thank you for the sporting excellence.
“I have just said to the Commissioner General (Augustine Chihuri) that this level of discipline has been shown in Maputo, we could have many medals.
“Why is it that the police and army are left out in such competitions (All-Africa Games). I think we will examine that,” President Mugabe said.
He said he was listening to the radio were he learnt about the dismal performances in Maputo of the Team Zimbabwe.
“I was listening to the radio were they were talking about games in Maputo and saying men did not get a single medal but women had 12 medals. Where have the all men gone?” asked the President.
This was before Takanyi Garanganga and Robert gwaze scooped gold medals in tennis and chess, repectively.
He urged the ZRP team to start preparations for the forthcoming SARPCCO games scheduled for Windhoek, Namibia in 2013.
“This is not an area of generosity or Christianity where you give other chances,” he said.
President Mugabe said in the just ended Sarpcco Games, which lasted for two weeks, the ZRP fought against eight other member countries and the Zimbabwean team exhibited a flawless and formidable performance and emerged the winners.
“The success was not just an ordinary one, for the ZRP team amassed a total of 55 medals, 19 of which are gold, 16 silver and 20 bronze.
“No wonder they were the defenders of the Regional Champion’s Trophy which they had won in the 2009 Sarpcco Games held in Malawi. Congratulations indeed,” he said.
President Mugabe said this splendid performance made the athletes true ambassadors of the ZRP and of Zimbabwe as a whole.
“But as we pile our winning team with accolades, we must remember to spare a word of thanks for the committed sponsors who generously supported our team.
“Sponsors for the ZRP come from all walks of life, this does not surprise us since the police force is a ‘people’s police force’,” he said.
He said to the athletes who kept the faith bestowed on them by Comm-Gen Chihuri, the entire force and the country at large that they had fought a good fight.
Co-Minister of Home Affairs Kembo Mohadi also applauded the sponsors for realising the importance of partnering the police in this regional competition and urged them to continue doing so in future.
“Certainly, this victory is a result of complementary efforts of the business community through their timely sponsorship,” he said.
Comm-Gen Chihuri said the ZRP team acquired at least a medal in each discipline, a milestone feat they had managed for the first time since the inception of the Sarpcco Games in 1999.
Online Reporter