eBusiness Weekly
Chipo Sabeta
The Safeguard Zimbabwe Open Squash championships start today and end on Sunday in Bulawayo with over 100 players expected to participate. Dubbed the country’s premier squash competition, more than six African countries are expected to attend the event to be held at the Suburbs Recreation Club.
Safeguard are the prime sponsors of the event with a $5 000 package tabled for all winners.
Zimbabwe Squash Association president Lucky Mlilo, told Business Weekly that all was set for the annual competition although the turnout from foreign athletes was lower than anticipated.
“We are ready to host the country’s premier squash tourney, thanks to Safeguard who are our sponsors. It will be a good treat for squash lovers. The tourney will be hosted by Matabeleland Squash Association over three days from Friday until Sunday when we hand over prizes to winners.
“We are not yet certain with the numbers of participants and we will be in a better position to reveal figures after today’s registration.
“So far, our online entry list comprises of five Nigerians, four South Africans, 13 Zambians, one Ugandan, two Malawians, one Swaziland and 34 Zimbabweans,” Mlilo said.
“However, this is not a reflection of final list because we are expecting a big number of players from countries like Nigeria and Zambia. South Africans also confirmed their participation and we are looking forward to Botswana.”
Mlilo, an international squash referee continued; “Generally the number ranges between 80-100 players because we will be looking at various sections: men’s, ladies, doubles and veterans. The prize money of $5 000 will be spread across all sections.
“Entry fees for singles is $25 whilst doubles pay $40 per team (if BOTH team members are also playing in the singles section then the entry fee for doubles becomes $30 per team)”.
In recent years, Zimbabwean players have found the going tough at the tournament whilst Zambians have been dominating.
Locals struggled last year, with the men’s finals won by Nigerian Sodiq Taiwo, who walked away with $1 000 and a trophy after beating fellow countryman Olanrewaju Abulrahaman 3-2.
Yusuf, will take part this weekend whilst Christo Potgieter, a South African who won in 2016 is expected add stiff competition.
Zimbabwe’s Admire Magwaza came fifth in the men’s competition.
Nigerian, Olatunji Yemisi Olufunmilayo, who won in the ladies section is in the country to defend her title. She beat Zimbabwe’s Yvonne Mubure 3-0.
Young squash sensation Ryan Gwidzima, then aged 11, who beat 16-year-old Brighton Nyakabawo in the plate final is expected to cause upset.
Zimbabwean pair of Mike Burns and Neil Nesbitt are current winners in the doubles category and they will be seeking to defend their title.
However, Jimmy Schlebusch and Christo of South Africa are also favourite for the doubles title.
The runner up in the veteran section Freddy Chishimba of Zambia is in Bulawayo.
The Zimbabwe Open Squash Tournament was brought back to life by the Matabeleland Squash Association in 2004 and has become an annual event since then.
