The ManicaPost
Fungayi Munyoro Sports Correspondent
A 20-MEMBER Sports and Recreation Management committee was last week commissioned in Manicaland to spearhead the development of sporting activities in the province.
Chaired by the acting Provincial Administrator, Edgar Seenza, the management committee comprises several stakeholders mainly from Government departments or ministries.
Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs, Mandi Chimene, who is also the patron of the committee called for the formation of a sport academy in the province where talent would be nurtured.
Chimene said the academy must cater for all sporting genres.
“If we look at European countries, sport is taken seriously. It is only in our African countries where sport is not supported. I think we can lead the way as a province and others follow. I task every sports administrator here to locate a place where the academy can be set. I believe we can develop our own Lionel Messis and future Manyuchis.
“I believe the committee that I am commissioning today will do its work effectively. We really need to support our children who are into sports.
“In European countries, sport is business. Sport is also regarded as a form of employment. I think we can do that as well in Zimbabwe. I want administrators who have a heart for sport, who really want to see development taking place in the province. 2017 must be a year of seriousness,” she said.
Chimene encouraged all sports administrators to come up with a calendar of all events to avoid last minute rush.
She also encouraged the committee running the Zimbabwe National Youth Games to work hard and produce a strong and competitive team.
“Let us try by all means to have a calendar of events than last minute rush. We know we have the Paralympics in April as well as the Zimbabwe National Youth Games in August. We must start planning now to avoid chaos,” said Chimene.
She said sport played a pivotal role in the development of the country.
“Sport plays a vital role in the society. Participating in sport is also in line with our economic blueprint, Zim-Asset which is in line with African Union and SADC principles.
“Today, I have set up a committee, Provincial Sport and Recreational Management Committee that comprises of a supervisory board and a management committee . Its duty is to plan and organise sporting activities in Manicaland,” she said.
Members of the committee include Chimene, Seenza (vice-chairperson), Lucky Basopo (vice-chairperson), members, Donaldson Nyatoti, Edward Shumba, Theresa Mupanduki and members of the Joint Operations Command.
