Chronicle Editor
Nkosilathi Sibanda, Online Reporter
SPORT associations in Matabeleland South Province have been urged to invest in modern sports medicine and science in their development structures.
The goal is to conscientise sport associations, players and officials to take heed of the ever-changing landscape brought about by sports science of late.
That has awakened up sports leaders and the local Sport and Recreation Commission (SRC) provincial leadership has stepped in.
As a preamble to the strategy in May this year, the SRC managed to bring in leaders drawn from all seven districts of Matabeleland South gathered at Gwanda Provincial Hospital for sport medicine training.
From that training, Zimpapers Sports Hub established that there was more work to be done to have the campaign reach out to outlying areas of the province.
Sport in Matabeleland South is largely concentrated in Gwanda, Plumtree and Beitbridge, a situation that has been identified as a problem in the province as they fared badly in the sporting arena.
While these towns have become the centre of sport, not much information on sports science and medicine has been preached.
Other critical issues that are at the fore of the campaign include sports management, medical skills and financial management.
The importance of sport medicine and science knowledge has been hailed by teachers, school coaches and community club leaders.
Plumtree District Chess Association chairperson Petros Maphosa said the initiative came at an opportune time.
“We cannot ignore the fact that sport science and all aspects of sports medicine have to be instilled at all levels, in particular the grassroots level. Knowledge of these will help not only athletes but the community. In our drive to uplift chess and other games in the province, we just have to be mindful of the importance of sport science, medicine and how to use that knowledge well,” said Maphosa.
Jahunda Primary School medic Sizile Mkhwananzi hailed the initiative, saying it was high time they use that knowledge to protect talented athletes.
Mkhwananzi said such awareness programmes were key in addressing the doping vice that has affected many young athletes in Gwanda and other areas.
“Knowledge is power and if that knowledge is used well, the community and the entire sporting world of Matabeleland South will benefit immensely. Players endorse the doping concept, of which it is a good thing.
“As many officials, including myself, had little knowledge if any, in such issues. We have to keep learning and help our sport advance,” he said.
Ends….
Online Reporter