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Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
TWO clubs from Umzingwane and Plumtree will join the Matabeleland South Cricket Association (Masca) for the 2016-17 season that starts on September 23, bringing the number of teams to five. The Masca League, which plays 40-overs games, had three teams, Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Polytechnic, Gwanda Giants and ZRP Gwanda. Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Polytechnic won the 2015-16 title.

Speaking at the inaugural Masca end of season awards to honour players, clubs and officials in Gwanda on Saturday, provincial chairman Arthur Maphosa said the establishment of new teams is part of their efforts to spread the game in the province.

He said Masca accepted the clubs from Umzingwane and Plumtree’s application during the annual general meeting held hours before the awards. “We’re looking forward to having more teams next season, which starts on September 23. The two new sides are finalising on the names they are going to use, but their applications have already been accepted,” said Maphosa.

He said they would play most of their matches in the coming season at Plumtree High School as part of their drive to promote cricket in the province. Last season they played at Portland Primary School in Colleen Bawn.

Masca has also set up a committee to fundraise for the rehabilitation of Ncema Cricket Valley Club. Maphosa said the rehabilitation of Ncema Cricket Valley Club was likely to encourage the spread of the sport in the province and being a central venue, it would make it easy for cash-strapped teams to travel for games.

“The problem we are having is that cricket is being played in Gwanda, Bulilima and Mangwe Districts. “What we want is for the sport to spread across the province hence our decision to have almost all the corners of the province playing the sport.

“Our target is to conscientise the community and that is why we are having our coaches doing groundwork at schools in the provinces so that we have a base for clubs,” said Maphosa.

He said Masca’s intention was to see districts like Beitbridge and Matobo competing in their league. Meanwhile, champions JM Polytechnic won the Best Club award and their player Trynos Mapfumo got the Best batsman accolade.

Elvin Nxumalo of Gwanda High School secured a double, the Best Bowler and Best Under-18 gong. Other winners were Tawanda Tamela of Gwanda Giants, Descent Goronga from ZRP Gwanda, Ryan Shoko of Jahunda Primary and Cyrene’s Adrian Nxumalo — @ZililoR.