Harare City Council has announced plans to transform the Zimbabwe Grounds into a premier multi-sporting hub by the end of this year.
Speaking during an Independence Day junior tournament hosted by FC Porto , Councillor Manyenga, the Harare City Council Sports Chairperson, emphasised the importance of learning from successful local models. "As you can see that we have taken time to visit this tournament today and part of the juniors that are here is also part of council which we call 'Cabs,'" Manyenga stated. "I have taken time to learn a leaf from FC Porto which is the host today on Independence Day."
Related Stories
The Chairperson highlighted that these sporting events are a critical shield against the social challenges currently facing the capital. "We are grateful that such tournaments are there for the kids, it helps in curbing the issues to do with drugs as you know it has become a topical issue in Harare and not only Harare but Zimbabwe as a whole," he explained. "So we are grateful of such tournaments as you heard the Mayor speaking that we need to take sporting activities to another level and it starts with the juniors as we witnessed today."
Central to this vision is the council’s ‘Cabs’ initiative, which ensures that talent is harvested from all corners of the city’s education system. "Like I said, the 'Cabs' are here and if you look at the youngsters that are playing from the council schools, we pick from each and every council school of ours, and we develop them as they grow," Manyenga noted. "That is why we are also participating here at FC Porto sports club."
Looking ahead, the council is focused on a massive infrastructure project to ensure these young athletes have proper facilities. "We are also looking into Zimbabwe grounds to develop into a multi-sporting facility by end of this year. We have found a partner, so I hope that if things go well as we have planned, we will be having a better facility for Zim Grounds," Manyenga revealed.
The ultimate goal is to create a space that caters to more than just football. Manyenga concluded by saying the council aims to be "hosting such tournaments for the young guys, not only soccer but many sports need to be developed at a young age."
Leave Comments