Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Street Child Cricket World Cup (SCCWC) is coming to Bulawayo in 2027, and organisers say it’s going to be their biggest and boldest edition yet.
Backed by the full support of Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart and the City of Bulawayo, Street Child United will bring its global movement for street-connected young people to Southern Africa for ten days of cricket, creativity, and advocacy. This won’t just be a tournament, it’ll be a platform for change.
This marks the third edition of the SCCWC, and for the first time, it will be hosted on African soil. Twenty mixed gender teams composed of street connected youth from around the world will come together, not just to compete, but to share a message that resonates far beyond the boundary rope: #IamSomebody.
“For too long, Zimbabwe’s youth, especially those on the margins, have been overlooked in conversations that shape their future,” said Mayor Coltart in a statement released by Street Child United.
“The Street Child Cricket World Cup is an opportunity to change that. Bulawayo is proud to host an event that not only showcases sport’s unifying power but also amplifies the voices of children who have been denied the chance to be heard.”
John Wroe, CEO and co-founder of Street Child United, echoed Coltart’s sentiments and spoke of the honour in partnering with the “City of Kings and Queens.”
“We are honoured to partner with the City of Bulawayo and Mayor Coltart in hosting SCCWC 2027 in Zimbabwe. Through sport, creativity, and youth led advocacy, we will send a powerful global message: every child deserves to be respected, protected, and given the opportunity to thrive,” said Wroe.
“Bulawayo has the spirit, culture, and heart to host something truly special, and we can’t wait to share this journey with you.”
While cricket is the beating heart of the SCCWC, the event goes far beyond the pitch. It’s about visibility, empowerment, and lasting impact. Alongside the dynamic Street20 tournament, participants will engage in an arts festival and a youth led Congress addressing key themes like identity, education, protection, and gender equality.
The experience will culminate in a powerful General Assembly, where the young delegates will present their visions and demands directly to policymakers and global influencers.
Serving as a prelude to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027, which will be co-hosted by Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Namibia, the SCCWC will further spotlight the rights of street-connected children and the potential they possess when given a fair shot.
The tournament has already left its mark in iconic venues across the world. The 2019 edition was hosted by Cambridge and London, with the finals played at the legendary Lord’s Cricket Ground. In 2023, Chennai, India, played host, where Team Zimbabwe came agonisingly close to glory, narrowly losing to Uganda in a nail-biting final.
“Now we return to Zimbabwe with even bigger dreams,” said the organisers.
“All teams that participate in the SCCWC are winners.” — @brandon_malvin
Londile Moyo