WORLD-CLASS Takashinga Cricket Club facility, nestled in the high-density area of Highfield in the capital of Harare, has received rave reviews as a unique and suitable training and match venue.

The facility comprises an internationally certified cricket ground that hosted the ICC 50 overs World Cup Qualifiers in June 2023. West Indies officially opened the venue against the United States of America.

A top-notch Academy House, accommodating a whole team and its officials has made it the place to be because one can just wake up and cross onto the field without any transport logistical hustle.

Zimbabwe Women’s cricket team captain, Mary-Anne Musonda gave the facility a thumbs up. Her charges utilised the cricket international hosting venue during their preparations for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier that was played in April and May 2024 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

“The accommodation there is top tier, the girls felt comfortable staying there,” Musonda told Takaz Media.

“It helps with lessening movements when the accommodation is at the facility.”

Uganda who had the privilege of training at the internationally satisfied venue before the ICC Men’s Africa T20 Qualifiers said they would not mind making the facility their permanent home.

Brian Masaba, the Uganda Cricket captain

“With the new High-Performance Centre facility, it’s top-notch and it has made our stay here much better,” said Masaba.

“A couple of the guys said this is the best they have ever had; stepping out of your room straight into the ground. It doesn’t get any better than that. As a team that’s what you want. You want ease of mobility, especially getting to the ground.”

Masaba also invited other nations to experience the feel of the Takashinga facility and the warmth of the reception of the Zimbabwean people.

“Training facilities are top notch so whenever anyone wants to go and have a hit in the nets or just have a bowl; it’s been convenient for us,” he said.

“The idea has been good. Hopefully, more people can come and experience how convenient it is having where you stay and the facilities so close to each other. We appreciate it as Uganda Cricket, where we come from, understands that it’s not always easy having these facilities so we understand how important it is and we look forward to seeing how it impacts the growth of the local players in Highfield especially.”

Not only has the facility caught the attention of the cricket community, but back home legendary Warriors and Dynamos forward, Moses Chunga now running his football academy was perplexed by how Takashinga has transformed into a world-class facility.

“Takashinga is just a stone’s throw away from our revered Zimbabwe Grounds that we frequent for our football activities but they look two worlds apart,” Chunga told Takaz Media.

“It is the vision that lacks from our football end because I doubt it is so difficult to copy from Takashinga next door and get at least the grounds to a perfect turf.”