Lovemore Dube, Zimpapers Sports Hub CRICKET’S future is no longer locked in the elite corridors. It’s rising from the dusty playgrounds of Bulawayo’s western suburbs. That’s the powerful message from grassroots guru Pollock Mubobo, who believes the only way for Zimbabwe to produce world-beating cricketers is to hand bats and balls to the masses. The veteran coach is the driving force behind a quiet revolution. The Old Mutual/CABS School of Excellence Programme has taken cricket to where it was once a rare luxury. “For cricket to grow, it must be played by the majority. That’s what this programme is doing,” said Mubobo. “We’re teaching kids from the ground up. The fundamentals. The future.” With 40 school teams, boys and girls from high-density areas are smashing boundaries and bowling their way into history. The programme has even reached Victoria Falls, coaching under-13s in an unprecedented expansion. And it’s not just about play. It’s about purpose. “This is transformation for the sport,” said Ntombi Khumalo, co-ordinator of the programme. “We’ve seen real talent emerge, and the kids are fired up for the finals on 2 August at the Old Mutual/CABS Centre.” Schools like Aisbley, Gampu, Indlovu Iyanyathela and Mazwi are now homes to cricket fever. Youngsters once side-lined are now centre stage, learning from top coaches and dreaming big. The sponsors say the programme is more than a tournament. It’s a ladder to greatness. “We’re giving kids who had no access to gear or facilities a real shot,” read a statement. “They can now represent their school, province or even Zimbabwe with pride and a smile.” The finals are expected to draw 550 players. It will be a cricket carnival where tomorrow’s stars will show off their skills in a full day of limited overs action. And it’s not just the boys. Girls are being pushed into the spotlight too, inspired to break barriers and take on the competitive game like never before. The programme has created pathways for provincial selection and beyond. For decades, cricket in Zimbabwe has struggled with access. It was a sport boxed into privileged schools and leafy suburbs. But now, thanks to this bold grassroots initiative, cricket is breaking free. Pollock Mubobo says this is the only way to ensure the country fields strong Logan Cup teams and a competitive national side. “We’re not just building cricketers. We’re building a culture. A future.” With flames of passion being lit in communities often ignored, the revolution is real. Cricket has come home to the people.