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Sports Reporter
TWO Under-14 teams drawn from the Old Mutual Heath Streak Cricket Academy will this afternoon battle it out in a Fun Day T20 Cricket Extravaganza organised by the multi-sports centre.

Former national team captain Heath Streak, who is now Bangladesh’s bowling coach, is in the country on vacation and will lead one of the academy’s sides, with the other under the tutelage of ex-Zimbabwe Under-19 World Cup player Kyle Bowie and Matabeleland Tuskers’ Cunningham Ncube.

Joseph Rego, the academy’s chief executive officer, said today’s competition marks the beginning of a juniors’ Old Mutual Cricket League.

He said their aim was to scout for talented cricketers capable of representing the country at international level.

Rego said they would also be selling branded world class SS cricket gear at the event.

“It’s important to keep the interest of cricket high among the youths. Therefore, to promote the growth and development of cricket in this country, cricket kit should be offered to children at very affordable prices so that many can play the game,” Rego said.

“It’s our endeavour to promote the sport in this country and we are offering cricket equipment at below cost price to enable children to showcase their talents. We believe many of these children will one day represent the country at International level. This is a golden opportunity for budding cricketers and cricket enthusiasts.”

The academy recently launched a grassroots development programme aimed at producing cricket stars in a bid to restore Zimbabwe’s past cricketing glory.

The academy has also split its talented players into four age groups that will work under the guidance of international cricketer Christopher Mpofu and Ncube.