Shingai Dhlamini
TWO top junior Zimbabwe players are looking for financial assistance to go and participate in the South African Inter-Provincial Championships set for April 15-19.
Squash has recently been introduced to the Olympics and the first participation will be at the Los Angeles Games (US) in 2028. Junior squash national chairman Boyd Raynars said that there is a lot of talent in Zimbabwe but the challenge they face was that some of the players were underprivileged.
“We do have a few underprivileged players that are very talented and have been able to compete in local tournaments over the last few years and made the Zimbabwean team under the relevant age groups. This year we have Brighton Mpofu from Milton High School, Bulawayo and Manfred Dube from Churchill High School in Harare who are in need of sponsorship and we have a few other players who also require assistance,” said Raynars.
Squash Rackets Association of Zimbabwe (SRAZ) is looking at means to support the players and get them the exposure they require to become their best. The players will compete with top players from every South African province.
“As SRAZ we are appealing to the corporate world and well-wishers to assist these players travel to the Inter-Provincial Tournament in South Africa. This is a very good Tournament for Zimbabwe, to use as a measure for our competitiveness as our level of play has increased with the steps we’ve taken and training we have been able to expose our players to,” said Raynars.
The president of SARZ, Pat Izznett and the chairman Lucky Mlilo are also in support of finding means for the underprivileged players to travel.
“We are all working together with members of the SRAZ Executive Committee towards making positive developments within the Squash Community in Zimbabwe.”
