Zimpapers Logo

Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
THE Government has apologised to the Zimbabwean sporting fraternity for sending a hugely depleted squad to the African Union Sports Council Region Five Under-20 Youth Games to be held in Gaborone, Botswana, next month.

Zimbabwe will be sending a squad of 86 instead of the expected 318 to the Games, with officials saying the decision was made due to budgetary constraints.

The apology was made by the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation Thokozile Chitepo at the unveiling of Team Zimbabwe to the Government in Harare last week.

“It is true that we were forced because of budgetary constraints. We had to make a very difficult decision to send a depleted team to the Games.

“We indeed are very sorry that we couldn’t send a full team, but we want to be very clear and assure the nation that it is our clear objective that we send full strength squads in future.

“We are going to make sure that in future editions we will start looking for funds much earlier and not just to rely on the (national) treasury.

“It’s a commitment that the Minister herself has made,” said Chitepo.

According to the director of sports development in the Sports and Recreation Commission, Joseph Muchechetere, a total of $614 000 will be put aside to send the 86-member team to Botswana.

Treasury last week allocated $53.4 million to the Ministry in the 2019 budget.

Team Zimbabwe for the AUSC Games

Team management: Charity Nyamayedenga (Chef De Mission), Shadreck Chatunga (general manager), Masimba Mutemaringa (head protocol), Fungai Zinatsa (marketing), Kupakwashe Mukurumbira (administration and secretariat), Tapiwa Nyagumbo (finance)

Medical: Godfrey Dzvairo, Samson Chavhe, Silence Gwanyamwanya, Olivia Gwaze, Pauline Tshuma, Christine Murangadura

Athletics women: Vanesa Matimbe, Dorothy Kavumbura, Vimbai Maisvoreva, Masciline Watama, Nicole Chikosi, Priviledge Chikara, Prizzy Mpofu

Athletics men: Mkhokheli Sibanda, Norman Mukwanda, James Mutenje, Dickson Kapandura, Dennis Gono, Brian Ndlovu

Athletics officials: Christina Dube, Lizzie Ntini, Benson Samu

Athleticis visually impaired women: Siphosami Moyo, Grace Nyamadzawo, Libetra Shoko, Moment Bhebhe

Athletics visually impaired men: Tafadzwa Munyoro, Sangoelihle Ndlovu, Makhosi Ncube

Football Women: Natasha Chaweka, Tambudzai Mashawaya, Nothando Mthunzi, Hazel Nyamande, Sharon Ncube, Audrey Mandara, Natalie Murove, Loice William, Millanda Chimbwanda, Maudy Mafuruse, Vannesa Mateko, Rujeko Kunze, Evermore Mutandwa, Gracious Mageza, Winnie Chiruta, Beauty Mukara, Cynthia Shonga, Valeria Packy

Football officials: Debra Magura, Langton Giwa

Netball: Claris Kwaramba, Priscilla Ndlovu, Spiwe Chavapo, Lesibane Munjanji,Nicole Muzanenhamo,Michell Rwambiwa, Brenda Ncube, Sinethemba Ncube, Ntando Sibanda, Joyline Ndlovu, Sithabile Manyurike,

Netball officials: Perpetua Siyachitema, Ropafadzo Mutsauki

Swimming women: Paige Van Der Westhuizen, Nomvula Mjimba, Courtney Brown, Nyasha Mukonoweshuro

Swimming men: Liam O’hara, Denilson Cyprianos, Dale Bruce, Ayman Khatoum

Swimming official: Terrence O’hara

Tennis women: Kimberly Kaome, Vimbai Moyo,

Tennis men: Mehluli Sibanda, Tanaka Chabata

Tennis official: Linset Chitiyo