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a period of rest and recharging the batteries of life for more challenges to come in the New Year.
Sports personalities will also take time off the spotlight as they retreat into their small worlds, to be with their close acquaintances, after a hectic schedule during the year.
Many players and officials plying their trades outside the borders have already started trickling back home for the Christmas and New Year holidays.
A number of South Africa-based football players have indicated that they are planning to come and enjoy the festivities with their families.
Former national team and Bidvest Wits defender Thomas Sweswe, Matthew Rusike, and Willard Katsande, who will be holding a youth tournament in Mutare this weekend, are all expected home.
Rusike, who scored his first goal for Kaizer Chiefs during midweek, said he would want to be with his family, especially his father, who is not feeling well.
“My father (Philip) has been a pillar of strength for me since I started my football in the dusty streets of Zimbabwe.
“He has not been well and I am sure he smiled after I scored the goal. I would like to dedicate the goal to him.
“I will be spending the Xmas time with him and the rest of the family,” said Rusike.
The majority of local stars have indicated they will not be travelling.
Soccer Star of the Year finalists Ronald “Rooney” Chitiyo and Masimba Mambare said they will be with their families.
Chitiyo said it has been a hard season for him and will need time off with his family and friends to celebrate some of the achievements recorded during the year.
The 20-year old was voted the Premiership’s third best player and walked home with a handsome cheque after helping the side to a respectable fourth finish and getting the silver medal in the Mbada Diamonds Cup.
“I had a very good season and to be chosen among the top football players in the league was an honour.
“Now it’s time to take a rest and celebrate my modest achievements with friends and families. So I will be at home in Epworth on Xmas,” said Chitiyo.
Mambare said he had no plans to travel as he hopes to be in Harare during the holidays.
Premier Soccer League chief executive Kenny Ndebele said the Christmas holidays come as a big relief and said he would spend the time away from the city hustles at his rural home in Lupane.
“It’s been a hectic year, as usual. It has become the routine that my family will only see me half the week and the other half I will be away because I was always on the road to and from Harare.
“Honestly speaking, I needed a break from all this running around. Hopefully, I will have a quiet time with my family in the rural areas” said Ndebele.
Zimbabwe women’s rugby captain, Abigail Gondo is planning to get his family together, during the festive holidays.
“I am looking forward to attending a party for my friend who is coming from England. I am happy with my contributions at the club this year.
“I’m glad I contributed positively in some of our victories and I did my bit by encouraging others to practice hard,” said Gondo.
Six times national bowling champion, Roy Garden, will be in Bulawayo for the holidays.
Gardner had a busy year as captain of the Zimbabwe bowls team that took part at the African Championships in South Africa and the World Bowls tournament in Australia.
“I’ll be here in Bulawayo. Although I have been invited by my two brothers in Harare, I am not going because there are so many accidents in the roads at this time of the year.
“Otherwise, I am looking forward to the World Cup of Singles to be held in Australia next year in April.
“The Zimbabwean board has approved me to go and take part in the competition but I cannot confirm my participation at the moment because I have no funding.
“I will only be sure if I’ll be able to go once everything is in order.
“In September I am supposed to take part in the Champions of Champions in New Zealand but again that is subject to funding,” he added.
Online Reporter