Byo seek to defend title in Masvingo

Sport
BULAWAYO will send a strong contingent of athletes to represent the province in this year’s edition of the Zimbabwe National Youth Games to be held in Masvingo from August 16 to 21 as they aim to defend their title.

BULAWAYO will send a strong contingent of athletes to represent the province in this year’s edition of the Zimbabwe National Youth Games to be held in Masvingo from August 16 to 21 as they aim to defend their title.

SUKOLUHLE MTHETHWA SPORTS REPORTER

Last year, Bulawayo Province clinched its first-ever National Youth Games title in the games that were hosted in the city.

Bulawayo Sports Management marketing and publicity manager Dave Simba said they were gearing up for the games.

“We are upbeat about our preparations for the Zimbabwe National Youth Games. As of yesterday (Monday) we had a list of the number of athletes who will represent us in the games. We have managed to register 202 athletes for all the sports codes, 41 coaches and managers, as well as 17 medical staff and other support staff,” he said.

“Last year, we had about 100 athletes taking part because of costs, but this time we are preparing to send 202 athletes. We have increased the number because we want to defend our title. As a province we are sending a big contingent of athletes, the highest number since the games’ inception.”

Simba said they were hoping to reach their targeted budget of $72 000 for the trip to Masvingo.

“We held a golf day in order to raise funds on Saturday. We raised a substantial amount and also raised awareness on the games,” he said.

During the unveiling of the Bulawayo Sports Management board last month, they raised $15 000 through pledges.

Simba said the athletes would go into camp from August 11 to 14 at Northlea High School and would be seen off by Bulawayo Provincial Affairs minister Eunice Sandi Moyo on August 15.

Masvingo Province could be banking on utilising home advantage as they search for a second title having won the 2004 edition.

Last year, they came second while Mashonaland East were third. Harare could also be eyeing to reclaim the title they won nine times as they dropped down to fourth last year.

Matabeleland North have been having a poor run in the games coming last in Bulawayo having made similar performances in the 2011 and 2012 editions that were hosted by Matabeleland South and Mashonaland Central respectively.