Cosafa decries stripping of Youth Games venues
A COSAFA delegation that was in the country to inspect venues for the upcoming Women’s Championships have raised concern after discovering that some venues have been stripped of equipment which was put up ahead of the 2014 Africa Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region Five Youth Games in Bulawayo.
The delegation also noted poor workmanship done for the hosting of the AUSC Region Five Youth Games.
Cosafa chief executive officer Sue Destombes led the delegation that toured facilities in Bulawayo.
Cosafa was in charge of the AUSC Youth Games tourney and had been hopeful to find pristine venues following infrastructural improvements done in the run up to the regional games.
Local Organising Committee chairman, Omega Sibanda said it was sad to note that furniture that is needed for the hosting of the upcoming tournament was moved from venues such as Barbourfields Stadium.
This means LOC would have to look for equipment to use during the women’s tournament that will run from 13 to 24 September.
Barbourfields and Luveve Stadiums have been earmarked as the venues for the tourney.
Sibanda said it was unfortunate lights for training grounds at Barbourfields were not functioning and needed some work while at the Luveve, the flood lights also needed attention.
“They (Cosafa delegation) have expressed dismay over the fact that some of the equipment and furniture they left here for the Youth Games was stripped from the venues or is not functioning.
“Destombes said they were expecting to find all they left here in place.
“There is concern about the furniture that was removed at BF, tower lights are not functioning well, at Luveve shoddy work was done on dressing rooms and you can’t connect the tower lights, something which will be a hindrance as we might have evening games,” said Sibanda.
He was however quick to applaud the Bulawayo City Council for responding to issues raised saying the council had already attended to the issue of goal posts and the penalty spot.
“Council has been responding positively to any red flag that is raised and I would like to salute them for that,” said Sibanda.
It will be the second time in succession, and the third overall, that Zimbabwe is staging the event. They were also hosts of the last finals in 2011 when they defeated South Africa 1-0 in the final for their maiden trophy win. — @rasmthembo TEENAGE Hadebe didn’t just to come to South Africa to play for Kaizer Chiefs but the Zimbabwean defender wants to conquer Africa.
“I want to win the CAF Champions League,” he makes his intentions very clear.
“Yo yo yo,” reacts the lanky left-footer when asked about his impressions on the Carling Black Label Champion Cup game against Orlando Pirates.
“That was unbelievable, it was packed and what a noise. That was something very special.”
Sadly, Hadebe couldn’t take part in the match due to a slight groin injury.
The 21-year-old joined Amakhosi from Zimbabwe’s side Chicken Inn, where Edmore Chirambadare and Michelle Katsvairo also originate from.
Hadebe started his career at Bantu Rovers, before moving to Highlanders. All his former clubs are based in the defender’s home town of Bulawayo.
“I have been welcomed by everybody at Kaizer Chiefs, including the office staff,” Hadebe makes clear. “I felt at home from the first day.” Fellow Zimbabwean Willard Katsande also helped him a lot to settle.
He plans to do extra work, besides the official training hours, to further improve his game.
“I plan to go to the gym to work out extra and get physically stronger.”
Hadebe’s all-time favourite is Real Madrid’s centre-back Sergio Ramos, because of his determination to win at all cost and his leadership skills.
It is, however, his countryman Marvelous Nakamba, who inspires him most.
The midfielder now plays for Belgium’s side Club Brugge.
“He’s a left-footer like me,” Hadebe explains, “I like his touches on the ball and his off the ball movement. We played together at Bantu Rovers and I admire how far he has come since.”
Hadebe usually plays on the left side in the centre of defence. He’s great with aerial balls and regularly scores with his head from set-pieces or corner kicks.
He was part of the Chicken Inn squad that won the Zimbabwean league title in 2015, playing in the CAF Champions League the following season. At home, he loves to game, playing FIFA 17, Need for Speed or Desert Storm. And when not gaming, he just likes to relax on the couch.
If not watching soccer, he will follow cricket, above all the Proteas.
“I love watching the batsman Hashim Amla and the fast bowler Dale Steyn,” Hadebe adds. “They have that determination to win at all odds.”
“I am a winner,” the defender concludes, “and have a strong winning mentality. I want to help Kaizer Chiefs win lots of trophies.” — kaizerchiefs. com