Zim could host 2027 African Games

Bruce Chikuni

YOUTH, Sport, Arts and Recreation Minister, Kirsty Coventry, believes the nation has a chance to host the 2027 African Games.

This follows her meeting the African Union Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, Minata Samate Cessouma, at her office yesterday.

The Commissioner was accompanied by the Director of Social Development, Culture and Sports, Mariama Cisse Mohamed, Doctor Decius Chipande, the Coordinator of African Union Sport Council, and the senior sports officer of African Games, Lina Paul Kessy.

“We were discussing many things and we want to thank the Commissioner and her team for the support which they have been giving us as a Ministry.

“We spoke about the future, particularly the possibility of what it would look like for Zimbabwe to host the 2027 African Games.

“It’s not finalised, we are just having the initial conversation, and we are very excited and honoured that Her Excellence and her team are here,” said Coventry.

The African Union Commissioner, Cessouma, hailed Coventry for her efforts and highlighted the possibility of Zimbabwe hosting the 2027 edition of the African Games.

“We have had a good discussion with Minister Coventry about Sports, Culture and also about this young generation.

“We also want to congratulate Zimbabwe for the role they are playing in Sports, Recreation and Cultural issues, particularly your contribution to the SADC region and Africa, at large.

“I’m so impressed to see Minister Coventry talking about sports with confidence, seeing this country hosting the African Games is very important and, with the experience of hosting the event before in 1995, it will even make it easier for the nation,” she said.

Ghana are set to host the 2023 African Games.