adminSikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
THE Zimbabwe National Youth Games boys soccer venue could be changed from White City Stadium to Gifford High School from today due to an administrative boob by the Local Organising Committee as one of the grounds has no goal posts. As a result only five matches instead of the expected 10, were played at the main White City Stadium turf, much to the disappointment of the match commissioner Tavitya Chipere.
“There are no facilities as the other ground, despite all the assurances has no goalposts and other requirements. We tried to check with nearby schools as an alternative venue but their grounds have no lines,” said Chipere.
He said there were high chances that today’s matches will be moved to Gifford High School which has more grounds or else the whole programme might be disrupted.
“It’s almost certain that we will switch venue to Gifford High School as a result of this,” said Chipere.
The change of venue will take the games further away from the people at a time the corporate world needs massive mileage from the games.
A visit to other venues like Milton High, Nothlea High and the National University of Science and Technology showed very poor attendance if any with only athletes and their coaches in attendance, a sharp contrast to White City Stadium and netball courts as well as the ever popular boxing at Stanley Square.
Besides the venue blunder and slow response to the games by spectators, there was smooth flow of results as well as transporting of athletes and officials to various venues.
Meanwhile, Agent Sawu’s boys opened their hunt for silverware with a 2-2 draw against Matabeleland South while Midlands prevailed 3-0 on Matabeleland North.
Mashonaland West beat Mashonaland East 4-1 while Mashonaland Central beat Masvingo 3-2.
Online Reporter