Faith Ndou
MASVINGO CITY-Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) Managing Director Givemore Makoni has announced plans to upgrade cricket facilities in Masvingo to international standards as the country seeks to grow the game at grassroots level.
Speaking after a World Cup U19 warm up match between Zimbabwe and New Zealand at Masvingo Sports Club, Makoni said ZC was excited to bring international matches to the province.
“We are pretty excited to be in Masvingo. Masvingo is one of the most centrally located towns in Zimbabwe, linking Harare, Mutare and Bulawayo, and it is one of the biggest provinces in the country,” said Makoni.
He said ZC is committed to improving infrastructure so that Masvingo can regularly host international matches.
“We are going to upgrade cricket facilities so that they are up to international standards and ready to host international matches,” he said.
Makoni revealed that ZC has already invested in infrastructure at Masvingo Sports Club but more developments are in the pipeline.
“This is not the first time we are here and it will not be the last. We have already constructed new changing rooms and a pavilion at Masvingo Sports Club but we need to upgrade the facilities further,” he said.
He said future upgrades will include grandstands and grass embankments to enhance the venue.
“We need to add grandstands, grass embankments and ensure that we continue bringing international cricket to Masvingo. We have identified Masvingo Sports Club as a venue to host future A-side matches as well as international women’s tournaments,” Makoni added.
Makoni also highlighted the province’s cricketing potential noting that Masvingo is home to Southern Rocks, one of Zimbabwe’s domestic cricket teams.
“Masvingo Province has serious potential in terms of cricket and having Southern Rocks based here shows the strength of the game in the province,” he said.
Meanwhile, Masvingo Cricket Association Chairperson Louis Maware applauded stakeholders for supporting the international event saying the matches had a positive economic impact on the province.
“We would like to applaud all stakeholders who came and supported this international event. The two matches played here have economically benefited the Masvingo community,” said Maware.
He encouraged school children and youths to take advantage of the facility to develop their cricket skills.
“We urge schoolchildren and the youth to keep coming to Masvingo Sports Club as the ground is open and free for training,” he said.
Maware also called on local schools to work closely with the Masvingo Cricket Association to strengthen grassroots development.
“We urge local schools to engage with the Masvingo Cricket board so that we can work together in developing grassroots cricket in Masvingo,” he added.
