The Sunday Mail
Wellington Makasi
LAWN BOWLING in Zimbabwe is old, white and elite. At least that’s the broad perception. City Bowling Club wants to demystify the sport, and is rolling out a programme to tap young talent, including in high-density areas. The club’s two-time champion and secretary Richard Mukucha is spearheading the youth development programme.
“I was challenged by the Minister of Sport and Recreation Makhosini Hlongwane when he graced our traditional tournament, the October Fives, last year. The minister bemoaned the absence of the young in the tournament and called for concerted efforts to eradicate the myth that the sport is for the old.
“This motivated me to expedite the junior lawn bowling programme and approach schools in the peripheries of central Harare to identify talent,” said Mukucha.
The club has 70 juniors from Prince Edward, Allan Wilson, Queen Elizabeth, Girls High and Speciss College, and membership is likely to increase as focus has been shifted to schools outside Harare.
“Initially we had two youngsters, Austin Kupara and Aaron Chilundo who are now affiliated to Alex Sports Club. The latter is in the national team and will be going for the Botswana pairs next month. It will be a marvel to watch Austin showcasing his talent during the African States Tournament.
“We intend to extend our programme to major cities for a start. We have identified facilities in the form of the ‘green’ which is the special lawn from where the game is played and school authorities have welcomed our motion,” said Mukucha.
Mukucha, however, bemoaned the lack of facilities as juniors are forced to use big woods (balls) which are heavy and incompatible with their small palms.
“We have approached Ball Zimbabwe so that they can procure woods for the young athletes since they are currently using wrong sizes that are heavy . . . this affects their delivery. Ball Zimbabwe pledged to make sure the right woods are acquired through World Balls.
“Stakeholders in sport should also take keen interest in the development of the sport and corporate sponsorship is vital in developing the minds of the youngsters through the sport of wellness,” he said.
