Emakhandeni grounds to burst into life
ALL is set for the launch of Mzilikazi District’s Community Sports and Recreational Development Programme (CSRDP) scheduled for Emakhandeni grounds tomorrow.
CSRDP is an initiative whose purpose is to identify talent at grassroots levels as well as discouraging criminal activities by members of the community through participation in sports.
The CSRDP has been inactive in the city since 2013. The Ministry of Sports and Recreation is spearheading the resuscitation of the CSRDP in conjunction with the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC).
Makokoba MP, Retired Colonel Tshinga Dube will be the guest of honour and organisers have also invited soccer legends Tobias Mudyambanje, Hebert Dick and Douglas Mloyi.
Twenty-two wards from Mzilikazi and two from Reigate districts will compete in 12 sporting disciplines – boxing, soccer, netball, volleyball, athletics, darts, tug of war, tennis, chess, cricket and rugby.
“Everything is now set and we hope to have a successful event where Bulawayo citizens will enjoy themselves through sports. We are really impressed with the way the community and the corporate world responded to this initiative. It shows that people were really starved of such programmes,” said CSRDP secretary Morris Mukwiti.
“We have representatives from the Ministry of Sports, as well as soccer legends who will be there to inspire youngsters. We also invited other legends from different disciplines but they have not confirmed their participation. In terms of prizes, there will be some little tokens which will be revealed after the event,” he said.
Mukwiti said the CSRDP presents an opportunity for coaches to come and identify new talent.
He said setting up of grassroots sports will help the nation develop talent and improve Zimbabwe’s status at regional and international competitions.
“Somehow, I think the reason why our country has not been performing well at some competitions is because our selection criteria is limited. If only coaches were to widen their selection criteria our performance as a country will improve. If you look at countries like Kenya and Brazil, they are the power houses in running long distances and soccer because they nurture talent at grassroots level which is why we are having this programme,” Mukwiti said.
He said they have invited police and Mpilo hospital staff to respectively provide security and medical assistance. — @khumzallen