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Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
LACK of funding could result in the Squash Rackets Association of Zimbabwe (SRAZ)’ failing to send a team to the World Squash Championships.

Zimbabwe is among three African countries that have been invited to participate in the 32-team men’s World Squash Championships that will run from December 13-19 in Malaysia.

The other two African countries are Egypt and Nigeria.
SRAZ is excited by the possibility of sending a team to represent the country in the championship for the first time since 1983.

“Participating at the men’s World Squash Championships is a good opportunity to market the country in terms of squash and sports tourism. Zimbabwe hasn’t been to the games since 1983 and returning at a time when we have lodged a bid to host the Senior African Championships will strengthen our bid,” said Lucky Mlilo, the SRAZ president.

“What stands in the way of us participating in Malaysia are funds. We need US$25 000 that will cover registration, accommodation, meals, airfares, kits and incidentals for a team of four players and two officials (manager and coach),” he said.

Mlilo believes they have a strong team to compete in the premier squash championship.
SRAZ will announce the team to represent the country after paying US$6 300 registration fee on Friday.

“Presently, we’re seized with finding a registration fee of US$6 300, whose deadline is Friday. We’re appealing for assistance from the corporate world and well-wishers to assist us raise the registration fees,” Mlilo said.

In Malaysia, the team will go into a bubble for the duration of the tournament and do Covid-19 tests every two days during their stay. — @ZililoR