SOUTHERN Rocks are taking a different route to support cricket development, turning to golf as the franchise looks to raise funds for young players in Masvingo and the wider Southern Region.
The franchise’s inaugural Golf Day will be staged at Masvingo Golf Club on Saturday, bringing together golfers, business leaders and cricket officials for a cause that stretches well beyond the fairways.
While golf and cricket occupy different corners of Zimbabwe’s sporting landscape, Southern Rocks see the event as a way of bringing together the corporate and sporting communities to invest in youth development.
Southern Rocks general manager Emmanuel Dube said proceeds from the tournament will be directed towards junior cricket programmes across the region.
“We are targeting over 60 golfers, with proceeds set to support junior cricket development across Masvingo Province and the wider Southern Region,” said Dube.
Participants are expected from Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru and Mutare, reflecting growing interest in an event that organisers hope will become a permanent feature on the Southern Rocks calendar.
For a franchise that has traditionally focused on activities inside the cricket arena, the Golf Day represents a broader effort to build relationships with sponsors and generate additional support for development projects.
Dube said the tournament would be held annually in November.
The programme includes an individual Stableford competition, alongside prizes for nearest to the pin, longest drive and best individual score. Organisers have also scheduled a lucky draw and fundraising auction, while lunch and dinner are included in the entry package.
Entry fees have been set at US$25 for individuals and US$100 per four-ball.
Zimbabwe Cricket is expected to send representatives, while all five domestic franchises – Southern Rocks, Mid West Rhinos, Matabeleland Tuskers, Mountaineers and Eagles – are also set to be represented.
Several companies have thrown their weight behind the initiative, including EcoTidy, Econet Wireless, Delta Corporation, Great Zimbabwe, Clipsham Lux, Urban Lifestyles and MAK Aluminium.
What makes this event notable is that it shifts attention from match results and league standings to the work that happens before young cricketers ever pull on a franchise jersey.
