‘Sport needs to do more’

Ellina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Andrew Langa says a lot of work needs to be done for the sporting sector to gain confidence from the corporate world. Langa was the guest of honour at the Annual National Sports Awards function on Wednesday night at Rainbow Towers in Harare.

“It is not a secret that Zimbabweans love good sport but, sadly, had to consume mediocre local sport.
“We have to acknowledge our collective responsibility in all this and boldly face the challenges with a forehead of flint to resolve it,” said Langa.

Langa said the government’s priority was to ensure that the sporting sector contributes to the economic growth and development, creation of employment, wealth and is actively involved in poverty eradication as well as contributing to social empowerment, national pride and identity.

“We celebrate those among us who have excelled but we have to acknowledge that the sector is largely a long way to be called glorious,” said Langa.

“We still have a tall order as a sector, especially as leaders and administrators, to steer this ship out of these murky waters of mediocrity and take our immense talent and potential to levels where we can stand to proudly exhibit a Zimbabwean sport product.

“Fellow comrades and sportspersons, we cannot just go to the corporate world and expect donations and sponsorship for sport.
“We cannot even expect the taxpayers’ money to just bankroll our poor performance. It is time we take responsibility.

“The corporates are in business. Government is in the business also of serving the citizens of Zimbabwe. Sport should then play ball in this business relationship. There should be a win-win situation.”

Langa said they have engaged Treasury with proposals that seek to give incentives to those that want to invest in sport.
He also noted that there was need for self introspection by the sector if it is to gain the confidence of investors.

“My ministry and I have seen the importance of credibility and integrity in a sector that needs development and a sector that seeks the participation of the corporate world.

“We cannot be on rocky and thorny ground and imagine the farmer to sow seeds expecting a harvest.
“The sport industry sector needs an in-depth introspection. There is some serious fixing to be done.

“There is lack of wisdom in doing the same things repeatedly yet expect different results.
“Our introspection has to be done now without any further delay.

“The introspection needs to be informed by thorough study and research before major decisions are made. We will, therefore, carry out a research before major decisions are made. We will, therefore, carry out a rigorous and extensive multi-prolonged audit of the sector.

“The audit we are going to undertake will be directed at the financial, operational and governance aspects of the sector beginning with the Sport and Recreation Commission down to the associations,” said Langa.

The Minister hailed Delta Corporate for their support as they have continued to sponsor the awards over the years.
Other notable guests who attended the event were Sport, Arts and Culture Deputy Minister, Tabetha Kanengoni-Malinga, and Member of Parliament for Buhera South, Joseph Chinotimba.

DAVID MOYES IN SPAIN TO WATCH KOKE (picture8)

LONDON. — Manchester United manager David Moyes was present at the Vicente Calderon on Wednesday evening and it is understood that he was taking a closer look at Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke during the Spanish side’s 2-0 victory over FC Porto.Moyes is determined to add creativity and guile to United’s midfield in January and Koke, a vital part of the Atletico team that has emerged as a genuine threat to Barcelona and Real Madrid at the top of La Liga, has been identified as a leading target. Koke only signed a new five-year contract with Atletico in September but it is understood that the deal contains a buyout clause, which is speculated to be around £30million. Koke, whose full name is Jorge Resurrecion Merodio, had been on Sir Alex Ferguson’s radar last season and Moyes is now ready to make his move for the 21-year-old.However, United may have a difficult time persuading Koke to uproot to Old Trafford in January, with Atletico currently second in La Liga and level on points with Barcelona, while Moyes’ side are 13 points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal and languishing in mid-table.- Mailonline.

 

‘SPORT NEEDS TO DO MORE’ (picture9)

Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Andrew Langa says a lot of work needs to be done for the sporting sector to gain confidence from the corporate world.Langa was the guest of honour at the Annual National Sports Awards function on Wednesday night at Rainbow Towers in Harare.“It is not a secret that Zimbabweans love good sport but, sadly, had to consume mediocre local sport.“We have to acknowledge our collective responsibility in all this and boldly face the challenges with a forehead of flint to resolve it,” said Langa.Langa said the government’s priority was to ensure that the sporting sector contributes to the economic growth and development, creation of employment, wealth and is actively involved in poverty eradication as well as contributing to social empowerment, national pride and identity.“We celebrate those among us who have excelled but we have to acknowledge that the sector is largely a long way to be called glorious,” said Langa.Langa said they have engaged Treasury with proposals that seek to give incentives to those that want to invest in sport. He also noted that there was need for self introspection by the sector if it is to gain the confidence of investors.