Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter

SETTING up vibrant grassroots development systems is the main priority for newly appointed Tuskers Cricket Franchise administrator Nicholas Singo.

The experienced cricket administrator, who also doubles up as Zim­babwe Cricket’s na­tional schools man­ager, recently took over the reins at Tuskers from Stanley Stad­don.

Singo said: “My main priority is to revive grassroots cricket. Once we’ve revived schools cricket, which I believe is the foundation of the game, we will then move to centres of excellence like Emakhandeni. If we have a strong development system, then that will strengthen our club cricket and in turn our franchise side will do well.”

He also highlighted the need to train teachers responsible for coaching cricket at schools.

“The critical area is to have workshops for teachers so that they’re empowered to coach pupils.

“Not every school can afford to appoint top coaches, so it means for our young athletes to get proper training, their trainers, who are teachers, have to master the right cricket basics.

“The cricketers identified at grassroots competitions will then be recommended to train at our Cricket Development Centres (CDCs),” said Singo.

Bulawayo has two CDCs housed at Emakhandeni Cricket Club and Bulawayo Athletic Club (BAC).

Singo said plans are also underway to set up a CDC at Bulawayo’s ceremonial home of cricket, Queens Sports Club.

“Part of the development plans include opening a bit of Queens Sports Club so that it becomes a centre of excellence for the Under-19s. Having another centre to complement BAC and Emakhandeni will expose youngsters to quality training from our coaches,” Singo said.

@ZililoR