ZIMBABWE Cricket (ZC) paid homage to passionate independent grassroots cricket development coach Edmond Mutetwa, handing him the tools of trade necessary for his work.
The pint-sized Mutetwa has taken cricket development into his own hands, complementing ZC's Cricket Kumusha/Cricket Ekhaya mantra, venturing into many rural areas on his own.
Last Wednesday, Mashonaland West Cricket provincial board chairperson Ronald Chibwe, together with Zimbabwe Women's Cricket team captain Mary-Anne Musonda, paid a courtesy visit to Mutipitipi Primary School in the province, one of the satellite schools under Mutetwa's purview, handing him a consortium of cricket equipment.
The equipment in two heavily-loaded cricket bags included bats, batting gloves, stumps, leather and jug balls, and tennis balls. Chibwe also donated playing uniforms for the school in recognition of Mutetwa's efforts to uplift the game in his province.
"We've seen what you have been doing all these years and all this time, and we've decided to capacitate you so that you bring us our next batters, our next bowlers, and the next national ladies captain. We want them to come from Mashonaland West.
"We've given you everything that you need to develop these youngsters. We will continue working with you so that you get as much support as you need from us.
“This is just a small token from ZC, and it is being given to you because we've identified and seen your efforts, and have decided that you need capacitation. We hope this will take you somewhere.
“We know your commitment; you can continue with the same level. We appreciate the work that you are doing for Mashonaland West cricket."
- ‘Public finances must impact society’
- Sadc Model Law on PFM to inspire stronger parliamentary committees
- ‘Public finances must impact society’
- Sadc Model Law on PFM to inspire stronger parliamentary committees
Keep Reading
Mutetwa vowed to up his ante in his search for unheralded talent in remote communities.
"This generous donation couldn't have come at any better time. My vision is to develop future stars that are going to be the mainstay of our respective men and women national teams.
“I dream of unearthing the next Musonda, your Blessing Muzarabani, Hamilton Masakadza from this area," Mutetwa said.
"Be rest assured that the kit will be put to good use. My only worry will be if ZC will have the capacity to handle the amount of quality players that are going to emerge from this area because here we mean business, the kids love the game, the teachers are committed, and the parents are very supportive."
Though unfit to play at the moment, Musonda took the players through their paces, conducting some light training sessions.
She was encouraged by the level of commitment and the abundant talent in the kids.
"Cricket is a game that requires discipline for one to excel. There are a lot of pressures and challenges we go through in life, be it at home or at school, some that we cannot do anything about.
“But cricket teaches us to handle those pressures in a unique way. You just need to focus on your game and what you want to do," Musonda said as she addressed the players.
"Don't be a bad influence on others. Cricket is a process; take it step by step because you never know where you will end up one day.
“When I come back for my next visit, I want to see an improvement from what you were today.
“Where you have challenges, make use of your coach so that you do the right thing all the time."
