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Sports Reporters
AFTER hosting the Games for 10 days, Zimbabweans must be proud of the hospitality they extended to the visiting countries. The African Union Sports Council Region 5 Youth Games curtain came down yesterday and what a Sunday it was.

The generosity goes way beyond just hosting the Games. What makes a spectacle out of the sixth edition of the AUSC Region 5 Youth Games is the way Zimbabweans entertained their guests.

At the closing ceremony yesterday there were some foreigners who had been christened Zimbabweans because they wanted to extend their stay in the city of Bulawayo.

As anticipated, pomp and fanfare was all there was to describe the closing ceremony at Barbourfields Stadium yesterday.

The ceremony couldn’t have captured much attention as the opening one but indications were that the people of Bulawayo had enjoyed and probably had the best of times during the competitions.

Barbourfields was filled to the brim yesterday. It could take many seasons for Highlanders to achieve the same. Here was a crowd that was cheerful even when it was evident that Zimbabwe would lose at the hands of Zambia in the football finals.

One could never conclude that the masses at Barbourfields Stadium came from nearby suburbs of Matshobana, Mzilikazi, Barbourfields and Makokoba.

High spirited fans set the mood of the day with whistles, cheers and vuvuzelas bellowing in the newly renovated Barbourfields Stadium – a befitting send off to the visiting teams.

That was classic and purely Zimbabwean. For what better a message to the world than to say Zimbabwe is home to everyone – a home that many an athlete wished they could stay in forever.

The colour piece attraction by the artistes was way off the home crowds’ minds. What matters the most was the final send off to the 10 countries that gave Bulawayo its best moments in history.

Going back home, the story to be told by the visitors is one of a Zimbabwe full of happy and sports loving people.

On the business front, hoteliers didn’t have the cake alone. Kombi drivers also made a killing yesterday as there were no buses to ferry people for free to the closing ceremony.

The small time vendors on the street were left smiling. Bills will be paid, thanks to the Youth Games.

“I normally don’t work on Sundays but today I’m at work. These Games boosted us, as you can see; I’ve transported people coming from Nkulumane and back. There’s business here,” said Nkululeko Sibanda, a kombi driver.

For the local resident, the AUSC Region 5 Youth Games were a lesson well learned – support sport and be healthy!

“I’m very excited even though our Zimbabwean team was beaten 3-0 by the Zambians in football. We rallied behind our boys with our hearts. These Games were very exciting and I almost attended all the Games from 6-14 of December.

“I made sure to pass by the Games after work,” said Nkosana Sibanda of Cowdray Park.

The average critic would pass the comments as mere knee jerk reactions but word on the street is that Bulawayo gave the visiting teams a gesture that Zimbabwe has the best hospitality in the region.

Who would have thought BF would fill up to that capacity in their time? Spectators were left crying for more action.

People came in their numbers to see their team play and closely watched every move by the players and they cheered on both the misses and saves made.

At one time, it wasn’t clear on whose side the spectators were on. That is the nature of sport.

Traditional dancers thrilled the capacity crowd with their antics. Local artistes that included the likes of Jeys Marabini didn’t disappoint.

Jeys even asked to comment on the closing ceremony showpiece.

“These Games were very organised and the image of our nation was well portrayed by the displays showcased in the official opening of the Games. Especially on our side as artistes, we gave a good performance on the day of the opening and we’re very happy that our people came to see us perform,” said Marabini.

Many Zimbabwean teens are set to go to Marrakech, Morocco, next year for the African Athletics Championships after doing very well in the Region 5 Youth Games.

For Zimbabwe’s soccer team head coach, Tafadzwa Mashiri, the Youth Games have given his boys regional exposure and he said this is good for the development of his youngsters.

“This is a developmental tournament and a silver medal is good for us. We’ve a lot of confidence in these youngsters and we need to nurture them. With resources and time availed, we can do better as a nation,” said Mashiri.

The next Region 5 Youth competitions will be held in Luanda, Angola, in 2016.

It’s a job well done for Zimbabwean sport!