admin Freedom Mutanda Sports Correspondent —
THE Ministry of Sports and Recreation has launched a fitness policy in Middle Sabi.
Last Saturday, a sports officer with the ministry, Shylet Mandlazi, called on the ward to have Under- 23 teams in various sporting disciplines and in the process ensure that fitness becomes the hallmark of youths and those who are above 23.
‘’Chipangayi is an area where sports was encouraged by farmers and ARDA in past years. Crowds would gather at different farm venues on Sundays and people would watch netball or football until sunset. It is my honour to announce to you that from now onwards, we ought to have an Under 23 team in the following disciplines-soccer, netball, handball, darts, volleyball and more disciplines will be added in due course, ‘’ Mandlazi said.
Kondo Football Club came with its soccer and netball teams, while Rating had its own teams. Four netball teams clashed at Matembudze Grounds much to the delight of the small, but appreciative crowd.
The netball teams were Kondo, Rating, Chipangayi Queens and Stage 3A Settlers. The toast of the day for Rating Netball Club was Rebecca Chademana, the goal shooter, who scored an incredible 17 goals in three games.
Her coach, Greater Mahlekete, was impressed with her performance and said it was all due to hard work.
‘’Rebecca works hard and is an inspiration to younger netball players,’’ she said.
Mar ia Sithole, Chipnagayi Queens’ coach, said there was need to get requisite resources for the fitness, wellness and sports development policy to touch base.
‘’We applaud the stance taken by the ministry to develop sports from the grassroots, but we appeal to well wishers to donate balls and bibs for training. They say practice makes perfect.
How can we be the best when we don’t train?’’ she asked rhetorically.
Cosmas Chitende, a Rating official, noted that Sundays were ideal for a sports extravaganza.
‘’Next time, we should do this on a Sunday,’’ he said.
Middle Sabi had a Division One team in the late 1980s to early 1990s which made waves. Recently, Silo Power made a name for itself under the leadership of the late Pirai Manase. Both teams largely harnessed local talent and boosted it with other players from different parts of the country.
Online Reporter