Story by Providence Maraneli
THE return of Division One football to Gwanda has not only brought excitement among fans but also brisk business to domestic tourism operators.
A long and meandering queue into stadiums, cars honking and a sea of fans clad in black and white now dominate weekends in Gwanda.
This is a football frenzy that has been brought about by the return of Central region ZIFA division one football to the mining town.
The frenzy has not only gripped football enthusiasts but hotel and food outlets that are now competing to attract teams from Midlands and Beitbridge.
This has created a domestic tourism boom.
“I can tell you that the coming in of football has been beneficial to us, we have hosted Sheasham, Gwanda Pirates, and other teams and this has brought business to us. These are exciting times,” noted Gwanda hotel representative, Mr Chemisi Phiri.
“There is a need for us to market our places more, but so far so good, this football frenzy has brought clients for us and we think it might be the turnaround of our industry in Gwanda because we used to have people traveling from Bulawayo because they did not think that we can have good places,” noted a tourism player.
The Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry is on a drive to promote domestic tourism with campaigns like ‘Zimbho and ‘Travel and Experience Zimbabwe’ yielding results.
“By harnessing the power of sport tourism, Mat South province can unlock new opportunities for growth, development and economic benefit while showcasing its unique attractions and hospitality to a wider audience,” noted Matabeleland South Provincial Tourism Officer, Ms Esinath Dokotera.
Gwanda has become a sports tourism hub with several teams competing in the central region division one football.
Hardrock, Dinson Mvuma, MSU, FC Platinum Developmental side, Jame West, Gokwe North, Grain Tigers, Blanket Mine, Gwanda Pirates, West Nicholson, ZRP Gwanda, Dulivhadzimu United and former premiership sides Chapungu, Tongogara, Shabanie Mine and Sheasham are in the ZIFA Central Region division one this season.
