Zimbabwe: Nissan-sponsored Kwekwe Sports Club revives interest in cricket

The opening of the Kwekwe Sports Club sponsored by Nissan Zimbabwe has generated great interest in cricket in the city. The sports club was opened at the end of last year and with a mandate reviving interest in the sport, in a region where such interest had dwindled.

Tim Savoy, a member of the Midlands Cricket board said the facility is catering for up to 200 people each week since the opening in November last year.

"We have had a fantastic local response and the sport is looking healthier than it has been for many years," he said.

"Last year we started a team in the National 3rd league and this year we have already started another team in the 4th league and we will also be fielding a team to play in the inter provincial Logan Cup, another revival as this will be the first time for more than 10 years," Savoy explained.

He also confirmed that the Zimbabwe Cricket Academy was also being very supportive of the new facility.

"We now have three professional players from the academy whose job is to revive cricket in Milands,' he said.

"They are based at Kwekwe sports club on a full time basis and will be providing a comprehensive training programme for those who wish to improve their skills for the benefit of local and national cricket. They will also be visiting schools who have a cricketing history to encourage them to re-involve themselves in the sport," Savory said.

Commenting on the success of the Kwekwe facility Bruce Ogilvie, Nissan Zimbabwe marketing manager, said his company's objective is to provide developmental support for cricket.