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Bulawayo Mayor Councillor Martin Moyo

Ricky Zililo and Mthokozisi Dube Sports Reporters
BULAWAYO City Council is grateful for the legacy left by the African Union Sports Council Region 5 Youth Games which saw major stadia receiving facelifts and meeting international standards.

The Games, which ended yesterday, saw government releasing funds to uplift some of the facilities which include Bulawayo’s ceremonial home of football Barbourfields, Luveve and White City stadia.

Renovations were also done at the Bulawayo Pool with Hillside Teachers’ College also benefiting from the games.

Martin Moyo, the Mayor of Bulawayo, described the facilities as “a God-given windfall.”

“As City Fathers we’re happy that the Lord has smiled upon us at last. We’re very grateful to government for according us an opportunity to revive our dilapidating infrastructure. Surely these Games have left a lasting legacy that everyone should be proud of,” said Moyo.

The sixth edition of the Games ran under the theme “Reaching for greatness” and Bulawayo will no doubt benefit immensely from the facilities that are here.

Moyo said they were impressed with the initiative which improved their facilities hence they commend the good work.

“I believe these Youth Games have been a fair opportunity for the people of Bulawayo to extend good hospitality to the foreigners so that they go back to their respective countries saying positive things about Bulawayo and the country,” said Moyo

The Bulawayo Mayor believes that the Games have been a clear indication that the City of Kings and Zimbabwe are capable of playing host to more international events of bigger magnitude.

He said now that the Games are done, it is the mandate of the council to ensure that the infrastructure is maintained.

Moyo emphasised on the Games being a fruitful endeavour for the citizens, players who got enough exposure and the business community who provided accommodation to the visiting teams, leaving Bulawayo richer.

The official opening of the Games mesmerized the Mayor.

“I watched the ceremony from the terraces, everything went well and I was impressed with the organisation and the displays. Thumbs up to the regional and local organising committees,” he said.

Meanwhile, visiting teams also expressed interest in coming back to Zimbabwe provided the country gets another chance to host other tournaments.

“We really had a nice time in Zimbabwe and we won’t hesitate to come back again,” said an official from Swaziland.