Debra Matabvu
Senior Reporter
SPORT is one of the most effective tools of diplomacy, fostering unity and promoting peace within communities at home and abroad, President Mnangagwa has said.
Addressing the senior men’s cricket team, the Chevrons, at State House yesterday, President Mnangagwa said through sport, the country had enhanced cooperation and mutual respect across communities.
This came as he commended the Chevrons for being at the forefront of advancing the country’s diplomacy.
“Zimbabwe has a rich sporting history, with sport being one of our effective tools of diplomacy,” President Mnangagwa said.
“Through sport, we have built bridges, fostered unity and projected a message of peace, cooperation and mutual respect,” he said.
“Zimbabwe Cricket and the Chevrons have been one of the sporting codes at the forefront of sporting diplomacy.”
The Chevrons’ meeting with President Mnangagwa follows the cricket senior men’s team’s successful participation in the Men’s T20 World Cup in February, where they went as far as the Super Eight stage of the competition.
Zimbabwe beat Oman, Australia and Sri Lanka to finish the group stages unbeaten.
Their match against Ireland was abandoned due to rain.
Their run ended with defeats to West Indies, South Africa and eventual winners India, in the Super Eight stage.
President Mnangagwa said the Chevrons’ participation and victory over teams such as Australia and Sri Lanka sent a strong message about the country’s capabilities.
He added that victories by the Chevrons should always be a reminder, especially to the young people, that “greatness is always within reach”.
“The Chevrons showcased sporting prowess and were true ambassadors of Zimbabwe’s national character of resilience and an inherent warrior spirit.
“As a team, you brought great honour to our motherland, Zimbabwe. Through your actions on and off the field, you were able to positively profile ‘brand Zimbabwe’ in the eyes of the world.
“The historic victory over Australia stands out as a defining moment in the Chevrons campaign. It was a victory that captured the imagination of the cricketing world and re-ignited national pride here at home,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said the result sent a strong message that Zimbabwe is capable of overcoming the most formidable teams.
“It reminded us all that greatness is always within reach. For young people in particular, the Chevrons are evidence that the highest levels of sporting success are attainable through hard work, discipline and determination,” he said.
Further, the President said Zimbabwe is ready to host the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s Cricket World Cup next year and the Government will ensure that all necessary preparations are in place to deliver a successful and memorable tournament.
Zimbabwe will co-host the 2027 ICC Men’s ODI World Cup alongside South Africa and Namibia.
“Looking into the future, my Government stands ready to provide the necessary guarantees and support for hosting the prestigious ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup next year.
“Zimbabwe, together with South Africa and Namibia, will co-host the tournament. This presents a historic opportunity to once again showcase on the global stage the unique hospitality of our people and passion for cricket.
“I, therefore, challenge all stakeholders to work concertedly, with unity of purpose to deliver an event that reflects the highest standards of excellence,” said President Mnangagwa.
He also commended the board, management and staff of the Zimbabwe Cricket for developing and promoting the sport in the country, in particular the successful hosting of Under 19 World Cup in February this year.
The establishment of cricket facilities in Victoria Falls and Masvingo, the President added, will go a long way in talent identification as well as leaving no one and no place behind.
Zimbabwe is setting up cricket facilities at Ncema Valley Country Club in Victoria Falls and at Masvingo Sports Club, a development that President Mnangagwa said represents a significant step in the right direction.
“These will go a long way to enhance talent identification from grassroots communities and the overall growth of cricket in Zimbabwe.
“On a broader scale, your efforts in hosting international competitions are commendable and will go a long way to position our nation as a befitting and competitive destination for world-class cricket.
“To this end, I congratulate Zimbabwe Cricket for successfully hosting the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup Tournament. This was a clear testament of our country’s organisational capacity and professionalism,” he said.
Yesterday’s event was attended by Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Minister Anselem Sanyatwe, Deputy Minister Emily Jesaya, Chief Secretary in the Office of President and Cabinet Dr Martin Rushwaya, and other Government officials.
Meanwhile, President Mnangagwa received a 10‑tonne donation of mealie-meal from Mupedzanzara Millers.
The donation was handed over by firm’s directors — Mr Charles Kambarami and Ms Adelene Marange Kambarami — at State House.
Speaking after the handover, Ms Marange said: “We are operating from Chitungwiza and we are producing mainly mealie meal. After realising that our product has been well received in various communities, we have decided to donate 10 tonnes to President Mnangagwa.”
Newer Post
BBC’s unbalanced ‘power grab’ story queried Older Post
PRESIDENTIAL RECEPTION CHARMS CHEVRONS
COMMENTS