Lovemore Zigara Midlands Correspondent
THE Zimbabwe Softball Association (ZSA) got a shot in the arm when a Japanese university, Sonoda Women’s University, donated equipment worth $600 to be used for softball development. The consignment consisted of seven bats, eight gloves and 15 softball balls and was handed at the weekend to ZSA in Harare. The equipment, which was sourced through the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA), saw Danhiko Project which houses learners with disabilities, also receiving equipment.
ZSA president Stonard Mapfumo welcomed the donation and assured the benefactors that the equipment would be put to good use.
“As an association we are gratified in receiving the equipment. We hope this partnership continues so that you can assist us with availing more equipment and human capital development as it is a major part of what makes the game played.
“The cost of a bat in Zimbabwe ranges between $70 and $120 while a single glove costs between $80 and $120. “A team needs about 10 gloves which is way beyond the reach of many ordinary players who are also faced with other competing variables in their lives.
“Therefore, the donation is a welcome development and we promise to take good care of the equipment which will help tremendously in the development of the sport,” Mapfumo said. Turning to the donation made towards Danhiko, the ZSA president said the children with disabilities will now be able to play softball safely with equipment availed, thereby assisting in developing young talent.
Sonoda Women’s University working closely with Harare Softball Association development officer Grant Machikiti facilitated the setting up of a drop box of softball equipment at the campus for use in Zimbabwe — @lavuzigara.