Team Zimbabwe – Grassroots Cricket’s Journey of Coaching, Community, and Commitment
SCU is delighted to share Grassroots Cricket’s recent tour; Grassroots Cricket is the organisation that provided Team Zimbabwe at the SCCWC 2023. The journey, which spanned from Harare to Bulawayo and back, showcased the immense potential and passion for cricket in Zimbabwe, particularly at the grassroots level.
A Masterclass in Harare: Elevating High-Performance Coaching
The trip began at the iconic Harare Sports Club, where Grassroots Cricket hosted a Masterclass for high-performance coaches from across Zimbabwe. Coaches from areas as far as Victoria Falls, Karoi, and Hwange traveled to attend the course. A standout moment was the participation of three women’s sports directors who were eager to establish cricket programmes in their schools. Their involvement underscored a promising future for women’s cricket in Zimbabwe, and Grassroots Cricket was excited to support their goals.
Expanding Cricket’s Reach in Bulawayo, Harare and beyond
Following the coaching clinic, the Australian Ambassador in Harare hosted an event at the Embassy for Grassroots Cricket children. Twenty-five young players participated, eager to learn from esteemed Australian coaches Paul Wilson, John Buchanan, and Peter Buchanan. The children were also inspired by Lady Chevrons captain Mary Musonda and Under 19 captain Kylie Ndlovhu, who shared their experiences and insights, making the event particularly special for the young cricketers.
The journey continued to Bulawayo, where Grassroots Cricket conducted coaching clinics at Whitestone Primary School and Gampu Primary School. The visit to Gampu was especially poignant when Peter Buchanan noticed the lack of cricket equipment, prompting an immediate donation of much-needed gear. The support from the local community was overwhelming, with the mayor of Bulawayo visiting Whitestone Primary School to express his strong support for Grassroots Cricket’s initiatives in the city.
Back in Harare, Grassroots Cricket’s commitment to nurturing young talent continued with coaching clinics in Glenview, Hatcliffe, Celebration International School, and Marondera. The session in Marondera, held at Peterhouse College, was particularly impactful, with additional donations of equipment to underprivileged communities. Despite the challenges of limited facilities and gear in marginalized areas, the talent and enthusiasm witnessed by the team were nothing short of remarkable.
Looking Forward: 2025 Coaching Tour
As Grassroots Cricket reflects on this successful journey, plans for the 2025 Coaching Tour are already underway. The impact made this year has only strengthened the organisation’s resolve to continue supporting cricket in Zimbabwe. On behalf of everyone at Street Child United, we are very grateful for these amazing efforts; championing the power of sport to make positive change.
