New Sponsors For Zimbabwe Cricket Academy

The Zimbabwe Cricket Academy will in future be known as the CFX Academy, it was announced on 4 November. The official launch took place at the Academy's headquarters at the Country Club in Highlands, an eastern suburb of Harare.

The academy itself was described as 'the achievement of one man's dream'. The man in question is national coach and former batting great Dave Houghton, who masterminded the scheme and led from the front in raising funds to bring it into reality.

The 1999 intake were in attendance, wearing their new uniforms, and next year it is planned that many of them will be posted to smaller centres around the country to coach and promote the game. This is in keeping with the aims of the Academy, which is not only to develop individuals as players but also as coaches and ambassadors for the game.

CFX managing director Sean Maloney handed over the initial sponsorship cheque of Z$1.2 million to director Gwynne Jones at the launch, to which the press and other sponsors were invited. CFX will cover most of the operating costs of the academy, but not the building costs, for which other sponsors are still being sought.

Much development has taken place already. A big new pavilion is in the process of construction at a current cost of Z$3.1 million, sightscreens have been erected and a new cricket square will be ready for use shortly. Roll-on nets are being used, and future plans include a storeroom and all-weather floodlit nets.

Next year's intake of 16 students is due to be announced shortly. The number will be flexible, though, with additional young players being called in for any special events such as batting camps which are organised. The Australian Cricket Academy have promised their help, and it is planned to make good use of whatever expertise is available when touring teams visit the country.

Mr Jones admitted that Zimbabwe was behind the rest of the cricketing world with regard to technical and medical development, but the intention was to catch up. He named Tim Noakes of Cape Town, Professor Bruce Elliot of Perth and Rod Marsh of the Australian Academy as three who had promised to share their expertise with the Academy.

The Zimbabwe Cricket Union have bought a nearby house, which it will rent out to the Academy, and it is planned to use this to accommodate students from outside Harare.

A possible joint venture with England is being mooted, and considerable enthusiasm has been mooted in that country for a venue in a warmer climate where promising youngsters can be sent for four months of the English winter. Should the respective boards decide to go ahead with the idea, an international sponsor will be sought.

The Academy is due to play the touring Sri Lankan team next weekend, although the venue will be at Kwekwe in the Midlands to help promote cricket in that area. They expect to play two home games at their own ground in the Logan Cup scheduled for February and March next year.

As Mr Maloney said, the Academy is committed to turning dreams into reality.