Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga-Zimpapers Sports Hub
TEAM Zimbabwe chef de mission for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games Chairmaine Chamboko has said the coming in on board of CBZ Holdings to support their journey is an expression of belief in the young athletes.
Zimbabwe are fielding 11 athletes across seven sport codes — athletics, cycling, equestrian, judo, rowing, triathlon and swimming.
The Games are running from October 31 to November 13 in Dakar, Senegal.
This is a first for the African Continent, and Dakar will welcome around 2 700 young athletes from across the world.
Speaking at the sponsorship announcement and kit unveiling yesterday at the CBZ Wealth Management Centre in Harare, Chamboko said the team’s participation at the Games requires collective effort.
“I think it is important to agree that we have witnessed, not just a handover of a cheque or kit, but really a handover of belief. Going to Games like this is expensive, the preparation is a lot, and it doesn’t really just happen by accident or with one simple partner that’s doing it.
“And I think CBZ coming on board helps us to be able to make that journey possible,” said Chamboko.
“The Government of Zimbabwe also, through the Ministry of Sport, is a partner with us and they continue to support these Games as well for us. I think what we also witnessed is government and private sector now coming together to support sport.
“And I think this is something that Zimbabwean sport needs, walking in the same road, in the same direction with both of these entities.”
The financial support from CBZ is not only covering the kit, but a number of activities as the countdown to the Games gathers momentum.
“This isn’t really just $15 000 that’s being handed over. There is a lot that is going into it.
“It includes social media campaigns. It also includes some of the video diaries that the athletes will be doing before and during the Games.
“We will also be doing some school visits with CBZ, doing some financial talks with the athletes that are there, as well as safeguarding and anti-doping workshops.
“So, it really is a campaign, a wholesome campaign, going to some of the schools where the athletes are coming from and speaking to the broader students that are there.
“So, it’s not just going to touch the athletes that are participating in Dakar, but it does also have a ripple effect to a lot of the other students in our schools as well,” said Chamboko.
The support comes at a time when the team is intensifying preparations for the Games following the announcement of Zimbabwe’s representatives last month.
CBZ Holdings Group chief executive Lawrence Nyazema is hoping to see the young athletes going all the way to future Olympic Games.
“The understanding that we have is we are sponsoring the youth team from Zimbabwe that is going to Dakar.
“And Dakar is a special occasion. It’s the first time the Summer (Youth) Olympics are coming to Africa.
“But more importantly, because these are Youth Games, 14 to 17-year-olds, what does it mean to us? It means we are building for the future. So, not only am I expecting the Zimbabwean team to do well in Dakar, I look forward to the same athletes who are going to Dakar converting into senior Olympians in 2028 in Los Angeles, in 2032 in Brisbane,” Nyazema said.
Zimbabwe Olympic president Thabani Gonye expressed gratitude to the financial institution for the support.
“To CBZ Holdings, we extend our deepest gratitude. Your decision to partner with us is a powerful endorsement of Zimbabwean sport. You have shown that you believe in our athletes, in their resilience, and in their ability to carry the flag of Zimbabwe with pride on the continental and global stage,” said Gonye.
Zimbabwe have participated in all the previous three editions of the Summer Youth Olympics since the introduction in 2010.
