News Day
1 December 2012
EDUCATION, Sport, Arts and Culture minister David Coltart has bemoaned the lack of use of Queens Cricket Sports Club for international matches by the Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC).
Coltart said this at ZC franchise Matabeleland Tuskers/Lobels Partnership launch at Queens on Thursday night.
“It’s been over a year now since we have had international cricket at this venue and it’s a shame. I have issued a directive to Zimbabwe Cricket to ensure that all international matches that will be played be spread nationwide.†Coltart said.
This is the second time Coltart has made that call after he wrote a letter to the Sport and Recreation Commission (SRC) in June directing the sports body to have international games in all sporting disciplines spread throughout the country where there are suitable venues.
“All sports associations recognised by the SRC will immediately advise the SRC of the venues which are accepted/recognised for international fixtures by the relevant international sporting body . . . With effect from 1st August 2012, the SRC shall only authorise international sporting events (in terms of Section 19(d) of the SRC Act) on condition that all sporting associations hold all matches involving representative Zimbabwean teams, including both friendly and official matches, at all internationally accepted venues on an equitable and alternating basis . . . The purpose behind these directives is to ensure national equity and fairness,†Coltart wrote in June.
The minister took time to applaud the Tuskers/Lobels Youth Development partnership and stated that the government was in a tight spot and therefore was in no position to launch such initiatives, encouraging the business community to continue showing their support for the promotion of youth development in sport.
Lobels are the first company to sponsor Matabeleland Tuskers in their bid to promote the development of cricket in disadvantaged communities among the youth.
The confectionery unit made available a sponsorship deal of up to $5 000 for the Champion of Champions Schools Tournament.
Lobels have been sponsors of a local women’s soccer team, New Orleans, for the past three years and have been involved with local schools around Bulawayo.
The finals for the junior boys and girls’ competitions were played with Magwegwe Primary School emerging winners in the girls’ finals.
Mtshingwe Primary School were the winners in the boys’ category of this year’s Champion of Champions.