SRAZ exhibits at ZITF in partnership with BCC

THE Squash Rackets Association of Zimbabwe (SRAZ) is one of the exhibitors at the ongoing 2023 Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) after partnering with the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) in a bid to help develop sport in the city.

The partnership is running under the theme, “Developing Sport Economy in the City, Leveraging on Bulawayo Sporting Heritage through Squash.”

It is the first time in history that squash exhibits at the ZITF and the collaboration with BCC has made it possible.

“It’s a very good initiative, we are looking at the launch in a few weeks’ time and we are certainly looking at good times ahead,” said SRAZ chairman and Squash Federation of Africa president Lucky Mlilo.

Final dates for the launch of the partnership are set to be finalised after the completion of the ongoing ZITF. Bulawayo has a rich history with the sport as the first squash court in the whole of Southern Africa was built in Bulawayo and the first inter-town tournament took place between Harare (then Salisbury) and Bulawayo in 1932.

The partnership between SRAZ and BCC is the latest move in developing and growing the sport in the country after hosting a Level One coaching course at Saint John’s College in Harare from March 31 to April 1 this year. Facilitated by South African coach, Liz Mackenzie, the course attracted participants from outside the country.

In other squash related news, youngster Ryan Gwidzima is set to arrive in the country today from Egypt after a month-long training camp. Egypt is a squash powerhouse in the world and the training played a big part in helping the youngster grow.

“It has been a great opportunity for Ryan to attend the training camp in Egypt. The coach, Mohamed Elkeiy is impressed with Ryan’s work rate, discipline and overall commitment. The training has improved his performance as well and they are hoping to assist him again in the future,” said Mlilo.

The youngster said he learnt a lot from the training despite struggling with adjusting in his first few days. He added that he will go on to share the knowledge he got from the North African country with others back home.

The Falcon College learner was part of the Zimbabwean team that participated in last year’s Senior Championships that took place in Bulawayo. – @brandon_malvin