Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, Zimpapers Sports Hub
BULAWAYO has officially began preparations to host the 2027 Street Child Cricket World Cup (SCCWC), the first time the tournament will be held on African soil.
The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has resolved to set up a multi-stakeholder committee to oversee planning and delivery, marking the start of what could be a defining chapter for the city and the country.
According to the latest council minutes, Mayor Senator David Coltart has received formal confirmation of Bulawayo’s successful bid.
Set to run for ten days in 2027, the SCCWC will bring together 20 mixed gender teams of street-connected youth from around the world. Beyond cricket, participants will take part in an arts festival and a youth-led Congress that tackles themes like identity, education, protection and gender equality.
The City of Bulawayo will work closely with Street Child United, the UK based organisation behind the event, to manage logistics, venues, youth involvement and community partnerships.
The planning committee will include representatives from the council, civil society, youth groups, and the private sector.
Council minutes describe the event as “the third and biggest” edition of the SCCWC. It’s expected to bring lasting social and economic benefits, with local businesses, schools, and artistes playing key roles in shaping the surrounding cultural and sporting programme.
The tournament will also act as a lead in to the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, which Zimbabwe will co-host with South Africa and Namibia. Hosting the SCCWC puts Bulawayo in the spotlight, setting the stage for international attention and community driven engagement.
Previous editions of the SCCWC took place in London (2019) and Chennai, India (2023), where Zimbabwe’s team finished second. Now, with the event coming home, it offers a powerful platform for Zimbabwean youth to step into the global conversation.
The tournament will end with a General Assembly, where young players will present their visions and policy demands to global leaders. It’s this blend of sport and advocacy that gives the SCCWC its unique power, and why Bulawayo is treating the build-up with such focus and urgency.
derick.khumalo