The ManicaPost
Ray Bande Senior Sports Reporter
MUTARE Sports Club will play host to the Kenya tour in a rare development that is expected to cheer the spirits of local fans of the gentleman’s game since 2009 when the venue last hosted an international match.
A T20 match pitting the two sides marks the start of the tour next Sunday to be followed by four ODI matches.
Mutare last hosted an international match in August 2009 when the Zimbabwe 11 faced Afghanistan at the eastern border city’s only cricket ground.
The Kenyans are expected to arrive in Zimbabwe next Friday. They wrap up the tour on February 5 when they drive to teh capital before departing for Kenya.
Manicaland Cricket Board administrator Terry Nyakurimwa applauded Zimbabwe Cricket for finally recognising Mutare Sports Club as a venue fit to host an international tie. Nyakurimwa expressed optimism that local cricket fans will throng the match venue to support the home team.
“It is exciting news for people of Mutare who love cricket. It is a confirmation that ZC has confidence in the venue especially after a long time since it last hosted an international game.
“We sincerely hope that we will have local cricket fans in their numbers coming to watch the game live at their doorstep. Hopefully this is the start of more international and even high profile local matches being played at Mutare Sports Club,” he said.
