Langa hails Streak academy Minister Andrew Langa (wearing cap) yesterday officially opened the Heath Streak MultiSport Academy in Bulawayo. Looking on (from left), are Eliphas Mashaba, Joseph Rego, Heath Streak and Reverend Paul Damasane
Minister Andrew Langa (wearing cap) yesterday officially opened the Heath Streak MultiSport Academy in Bulawayo. Looking on (from left), are Eliphas Mashaba, Joseph Rego, Heath Streak and Reverend Paul Damasane

Minister Andrew Langa (wearing cap) yesterday officially opened the Heath Streak MultiSport Academy in Bulawayo. Looking on (from left), are Eliphas Mashaba, Joseph Rego, Heath Streak and Reverend Paul Damasane

Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
SPORT, Arts and Culture Minister Andrew Langa hailed the diversity of sporting disciplines offered at the Heath Streak Multi-Sport Academy in Bulawayo saying they are a base for a successful sporting nation. The much-acclaimed Heath Streak Multi-Sport Academy, stationed at McDonald Club, along Fourth Avenue extension, was officially opened yesterday with Langa pledging to support the initiative.
He challenged local authorities to emulate the Bulawayo City Council in supporting the development of sport.

“The Heath Streak Multidisciplinary Sport Academy should be the first in a number of academies that should be developed in the nation. We will certainly support them. We still need more development in the former country clubs where some have turned golf courses into either grazing land or some potato plantations. We appreciate the City of Bulawayo for having a sound policy on the provision of sport infrastructure across its municipal boundaries. This is commendable and we would like to see other local authorities taking a cue,” Langa said.

The facility has undergone a major facelift to meet the celebrated former national team captain’s vision and dream of establishing a world class multi-sports facility in Bulawayo that identifies and nurtures talent.

Upon completion, the facility which is modelled along the lines of South Africa’s High Performance Centre in Pretoria, will have a gym, two cricket grounds, a 25m swimming pool and an indoor sports centre that will be used for hockey and five-a-side soccer.

“While the centre concentrates on the sport of cricket, the inclusion of other sporting disciplines is an acknowledgement that the diversity of our citizens’ sport choices have to be catered for. It is also a fact that the variety of state-of-the-art facilities will provide the development of a wholesome sportsperson. I congratulate the developers for including even swimming, gym and various ball games. It is this inclusiveness that makes this academy a unique innovation. The focus on the youth is very welcome. I urge you to continue being accessible to all young sport lovers and enthusiasts across all classes. Be people-centred so as to achieve greater social development,” Langa said.

He also spoke about sport being a vibrant industry which when supported from the grassroots is capable of contributing immensely to the nation.
“Sport is part of Zimbabwe’s elusive industries. This is so because of the lack of sound grassroots sport development programmes and infrastructure. We as a nation are keen to go to the top in international glory yet we miss the early steps of developing sport.

“It is not a secret that Zimbabweans love good sport but sadly have to consume mediocre if not poor local sport. Our teams are like tea-bags, they do not stay long in the ‘cup’ of international competitions. We have to acknowledge our collective responsibility in all this and boldly face the challenge with a forehead of flint to resolve it.

“This is why my Ministry and I find the development of this sports academy as a positive development.”
Joseph Rego, who is the academy’s chief executive officer and executive director, thanked city businessman Raj Modi for supporting the academy.
“I would like to thank all our sponsors and partners for making this day a success with special mention to Raj Modi who has been at the forefront of making sure that this academy meets world class standards. Shield security, Swift, Choppies and Steward bank, who have taken it upon themselves to fund coaching clinics for the underprivileged for a year, are some of our partners.

“Our wish is to see this academy produce quality athletes who will represent Zimbabwe competitively at international events with pride and honour,” said Rego.

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