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Online Reporter
A recent coaching clinic held in Nkayi attracted an impressive 190 participants, including headmasters, their deputies, and sports directors from 59 primary and secondary schools.
The clinic, organized by the Cricket Ekhaya-program, aimed to equip educators with the necessary skills and knowledge to develop cricket in their respective schools.
The clinic was run by Thamsanqa Nunu who holds an England Cricket Board Level 1 qualification and Dumisani Mankunzini who is an International Cricket Council Level 2 coach.
Mankunzini, the program’s coordinator, expressed his delight at the overwhelming response.
“We are thrilled to see such a strong turnout from the education sector. This clinic is a significant step towards our goal of making cricket a staple sport in Zimbabwean schools,” Mankunzini said.
Explaining the vision behind the initiative, Makunzini said: “We are looking at producing world-class cricketers, administrators and coaches as well especially from Matabeleland where we have struggled to produce players and administrators. I believe that in the rural areas there’s a lot of hidden talent and as you know that cricket is an expensive sport so we try by all means to cater for those who cannot afford especially the underprivileged in rural areas and townships.”
“That is where now we come in. We want to produce at least one player from Matabeleland North and South who will go on to play for Zimbabwe national age groups and obviously the national team,” he added.
“If we get more than one player it’s a bonus because to us, for this programme can produce just one player who will go on to play for Zimbabwe, we will consider it a success. We need to take note of the fact that as a country we have been struggling to produce fast bowlers who bowl 140 km per hour consistently and I believe in the rural areas there are boys who are very strong and we can actually develop seamers who can bowl at 140 km/h consistently and also who can hit big shots.”
Mankunzini emphasised the importance of empowering educators to drive cricket development.
“By training headmasters, deputies, and sports directors, we are ensuring that cricket has a strong foundation in schools. These leaders will play a crucial role in promoting the sport and identifying talented young players.”
The clinic covered various aspects of cricket coaching, including techniques, tactics, and player development. Participants engaged in practical sessions, demonstrating their newfound skills and enthusiasm for the sport.
The success of the clinic highlights the growing interest in cricket in rural Zimbabwe and sets the stage for further development initiatives in the region.
Online Reporter