ZC to set up HPCs

Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE Cricket are pressing ahead with plans to establish High Performance Centres across the country in a bid to improve the quality of players emerging from the grassroots. The association’s director (Game Development and Domestic Cricket), Givemore Makoni, yesterday said they aim to revamp the domestic game through the project that will spread over four years.

The former Zimbabwe convener revealed the plans at the handover function of kit bags to development coaches in Harare yesterday. Makoni said they were hoping to improve the competitiveness of the game through the development efforts.

“But we are under no illusions as to the enormity of the task. Unlike other cricket boards the world over, ZC has to meet all the costs for running cricket from the age-groups right through to the franchises and national teams, paying the costs of playing kit and equipment, uniforms, tours, food and accommodation.

“We have no option because all these are costs that come with converting a once elite sport into one accessible to all Zimbabweans around the country. “But even as we introduce the game, spread it around the country and ensure it continues to be played through the schools, clubs and provincial structures, we need to ensure that there is a competitive throughput to the national teams,” said Makoni.