The Sunday Mail
Lawson Madzivanyika
THE National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (Naaz) president Tendai Tagara has accused Government of being obsessed with supporting football and the expense of other sports.
“It is unfortunate that in this country, the definition of sport appears to be football,” said Tagara.
“In as much as I think that Government should give a bigger chunk of funding to football, the other associations should not be made to wait for crumbs. Imagine spending $100 000 on 18 men chasing one medal and neglecting 10 men chasing 10 medals?
“Athletics is one of the cheapest sports to run. The Government has no money we all know that but it is prioritisation that is essential. We want the Government to concentrate on creating a conducive environment for other federations to perform.
“Zimbabwe is considered a football nation and other sporting associations believe they are being neglected at the expense of football.
“The African Nation Championships (Chan) have come and gone, it is time for a shift in focus to minority sports,” he said.
Togara went on to blast the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing for their failure to aid in sports development.
“It’s a pity that the ministry cannot differentiate state facilities from private ones.
“Other countries have made it mandatory that at least twice a week the youths are exposed to the best government sporting facilities, free of charge, and other days on minimal charge.
“Here we have kids paying $75 for 2 hour training sessions and that is not feasible”, he said.
Despite the “negligible” support from Government a fired up Tagara vowed to take athletics higher.
“We are in the process of taking athletics to new heights, creating a good brand of outstanding athletes hoping this will attract sponsors,” he said.
“Our association will not beg anyone to support athletics but we intend to put across brands that will attract sponsors. If you beg, people will end up dictating and we are not that type of a puppet.”
Contacted for comment the Minister of Sport Makhosini Hlongwane accused Naaz of playing to the gallery.
“It’s shocking because I met Naaz officials and they didn’t raise such allegations. Why are they raising such matters now? I will get in touch with them and be able to comment fully on the issue,” said the Minister.
