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    HomeNehanda GuardianSport a way out of poverty-Olinda Chare

    Sport a way out of poverty-Olinda Chare

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    Beatrice Imbayago

    Seventeen-year-old Olinda Chare says sports, if taken seriously, can be a way out of poverty as it can open many doors to success.

    Bindura based spin bowler Olinda Chare has managed to change her life for the better after being called up for the Lady Chevrons, the country’s women cricket national cricket team.

    “Sports can be a good way to change your life for the better as it can be life changing. I was motivated to play the sport because it gives discipline and if you work hard, it can get one out of poverty because of the many doors that it can open for a player,” she said recently.

    She was in the cricket team that did battle with the United States team in which the Lady Cheverons edged out the visitors 3-2.

    Chare first represented Zimbabwe in the Under 19 team that toured South Africa in 2022. In 2023, she participated in the inaugural ICC Under 19 Women Cricket World Cup.

    In 2024, Chare was one of the nine Under 19s that played for Zimbabwe A at the Kibukwa Tournament in Rwanda, that won silver. She also participated in September’s ICC Under 19 Women World Cup Africa Qualifier.

    The 17-year old was born in Shamva but attended school in Bindura, starting out at Chipindura Primary and is currently an Advanced Level student at Herman Gmeiner High School in Bindura.

    She started playing cricket in Form One when her softball coach encouraged her to venture into sports.

    Her first coach Ishmael Senzere is the batting coach for Zimbabwe Under 19 Women.

    “My first coach, Senzere is my inspiration because he guided me in the sport and influenced my love for cricket.

    She said sports runs in her family as her father used to be a soccer player in his days.

    “Back then my dad used to play soccer and now my younger brother also plays soccer at school. I can safely say I come from a sporting family,” she said.

    Being an Advanced level student, Chare says there is no harm in partaking sports and academics at the same time as long as one is disciplined.

    “It’s  all about making time for both school and cricket. When I am not at the ground that’s when l read trying to catch up with what others are doing at school,” she said.

    Chare says in five years she sees herself playing for big clubs outside the country and playing in international premier leagues.

    She said families must support their children who will have ventured into sports as they have the power to build or break their children’s career.

    “Support system is very important in a sports person’s life. Sometimes not all sports persons get support from their parents which can shatter and damage their dreams in sports,” she said.

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