Zimpapers Logo

Mvuzo Mbebe, the chairperson of the Regional Organising Committee for the AUSC Region 5 Games explains the procedure of the draw last night at a local hotel in Bulawayo, flanked by models

Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
THE draw for the sixth edition of the African Union Sports Council Region 5 Under-20 Games was conducted last night in Bulawayo at a colourful ceremony attended by representatives from the 11 participating countries.
Host nation Zimbabwe will get the ball rolling on the opening day of the Games when the Sithethelelwe Sibanda coached girls Under-20 football side locks horns with defending champions Zambia at Barbourfields Stadium which is expected to be packed to the brim.

The Young Mighty Warriors will be back on the field 24 hours later to take on Namibia before South Africa locks horns with Zambia.

Five nations will compete in netball with six battling it out in women’s basketball and an equal number in men’s basketball. Ten countries were drawn into two pools of five each for men’s football with Botswana being the only exception.

Yesterday’s function started with the local organizing committee’s Khonzani Ncube welcoming the guests before officially inviting the chairperson of the regional organizing committee, Mvuzo Mbebe to the podium.

Mbebe thanked President Mugabe for all the support “politically, morally and financially that the government of Zimbabwe extended to the organizing committee. These Games are held under the theme ‘Reach for Greatness” and you might wonder why we chose this theme. We chose it because we’re in Bulawayo, the City of Kings and kings always strives for greatness. It’s also where one of the greatest rulers to ever emerge in Africa, King Mzilikazi settled,” said Mbebe to the applause of the delegates.

He also said Zimbabwe as a country is known throughout the world as a pioneer for greatness.

“We’re also celebrating Bulawayo’s 120 years of existence as a city. I also know that after these Games Bulawayo will never be the same again,” said Mbebe.

Delivering the keynote address, the guest of honour who is also the chairperson of the Council of Ministers for the region, Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Andrew Langa acknowledged that preparations for the games have been demanding and at times quite difficult.

“The involvement of the regional organizing committee, the various sports confederations was a great support to my compatriots in the local organising committee. We arrive at these Games’ draw with the satisfaction that the Games will certainly make Zimbabwe and Bulawayo in particular reach for greatness,” said Minister Langa.

He said Zimbabwe was proud to play host to the Games and assured the visiting delegations of the country’s best hospitality.

“Indeed, tonight as we conduct the draw, the spirit of solidarity within the Southern African region prevails, promoting the ideals of peace, brotherhood and Pan-African Unity. Sport builds friendship, tolerance and unity amongst us as a region and helps us speak one language of togetherness,” said Minister Langa.

Teams grouping

Basketball men
A1:Zimbabwe, A2: Angola, A3: Malawi, A4: South Africa, A5, Swaziland, A6: Mozambique

Women basketball
A1: Lesotho, A2: Angola, A3: South Africa, A4: Botswana, A5: Zimbabwe, A6: Mozambique

Netball:
A1: Botswana, A2: South Africa, A3: Namibia, A4: Swaziland, A5: Zimbabwe

Football
Pool A:Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Swaziland, Angola and Malawi
Pool B: South Africa, Zambia, Lesotho, Seychelles and Namibia

Fixtures, according to the technical committee will be released on Monday.