Online Reporter
Nkosilathi Sibanda, [email protected]
THE Zimbabwe Pickleball Association (ZPA) has embarked on a restructuring exercise aimed at strengthening its governance structures and accelerating the growth of the sport across the country.
The reorganisation comes as the association seeks to position pickleball among Zimbabwe’s fastest-growing sporting disciplines, with a strong focus on administration, development and grassroots expansion.
As part of the changes, Vuyelwa Mangena has been appointed Secretary General, while Harare based sports administrator Edmond Mutetwa takes over as Interim vice president. The duo replaces Takunda Zhungu and
Gladness Ndlovu, who resigned from their positions in January.
In another key adjustment, Collen Moyo has been moved from the athletes’ chairperson role to director of development, a position expected to play a critical role in the sport’s expansion strategy.
Zimbabwe Pickleball Association president Mthandazo Ngwenya said the restructuring was a carefully considered process designed to build a strong leadership team capable of driving the sport forward.
“The appointment process is ongoing and deliberate. We are focused on bringing in passionate, development-oriented individuals who can contribute meaningfully to the growth of pickleball in Zimbabwe. Governance and administration remain the backbone of any successful sporting organisation, and these changes are meant to strengthen those areas,” said Ngwenya.
He said Mutetwa’s appointment would help broaden the sport’s footprint, particularly in the northern and eastern parts of the country, while also targeting rural communities.
“Edmond brings valuable experience in sports administration and grassroots development. We believe he is well positioned to help expand the game into new areas and ensure that more communities have access to pickleball,” Ngwenya said.
Mutetwa expressed gratitude for the appointment and pledged to work closely with stakeholders to grow the sport.
“I am honoured by the confidence that the association has placed in me. My immediate focus will be on increasing participation, strengthening provincial structures and introducing the sport to more schools and communities. Pickleball has enormous potential in Zimbabwe and I am excited to be part of its growth journey,” he said.
The association has already begun implementing some of its development initiatives. Last week, ZPA conducted an online training course targeting participants from the Northern and Eastern regions.
Ngwenya said , the programme attracted encouraging interest from members of the sporting community, with several schools in Buhera indicating that they already possess pickleball equipment and are eager to host practical sessions later this year.
While acknowledging that the restructuring process will take time, Ngwenya said the association was laying a solid foundation for long-term success.
“We are building a vibrant and committed team that will take pickleball to greater heights. The progress may not happen overnight, but we are confident that the structures we are putting in place now will benefit the sport for years to come,” he said.
derick.khumalo