COLLEGE GAMES BEGIN
TEAM Zimbabwe has been urged to be focused and do the country proud as they head into the 18th edition of the Confederation of University and College Sports Association African Union Sports Council Region Five games, which starts in the city tomorrow.
Speaking at a reception meant to welcome the athletes at the United College of Education on Friday morning, Zimbabwe Tertiary Institutions Sports Union vice-president James Chivivi told them to embrace discipline and the spirit of unity as they chase their first ever CUCSA championships title.
The country is hosting the games for the first time since 1996 and Chivivi said there was no reason why Zimbabwe should not lift the overall trophy. The official opening ceremony will be at White City Stadium tomorrow to be graced by Bulawayo Provincial Affairs minister, Eunice Sandi Moyo.
“The games call for unity and discipline on your part as you become the country’s face. I would like to emphasise that you are here on national duty and you were selected because of your ample talent which I believe will enable you to overcome our competitors,” said Chivivi, adding:
“However, we should compete fairly on the ground and treat our visitors with dignity but not hesitate to give them a beating on the pitch.”
Over 1 500 athletes from 10 southern region countries are expected to take part in the competitions that involves college students. The countries are Botswana, Angola, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia and the host country.
Zitisu president Martin Zibwi said after Zimbabwe finished third in Zambia in 2014 they were aiming higher.
“In the last CUCSA games we came third but this time I think we are going to do better as we have home advantage,” said Zibwi.
Athletes will compete in nine sporting disciplines that include football, netball, volleyball, basketball, tennis, table tennis, karate, chess and athletics.
Zibwi urged members of the public to attend the games in their numbers and cheer on the local athletes while appreciating the talent from other countries.
Venues to be used for the tourney include Barbourfields Stadium Outside grounds, White City, Trade Fair, Bulawayo Athletic Club, Hillside Teachers’ College and Nust.
Team Zimbabwe has a 222 strong squad which trooped into camp last Wednesday and they have been fine tuning their preparations at UCE and were scheduled to move to the Games Village at Hillside Teachers College yesterday along with other teams.