THE Zimbabwe Teachers Colleges Sports (ZITCOS) leadership has intensified efforts to transform college sport into a structured and sustainable system, with plans underway to introduce organised leagues across various disciplines following the successful conclusion of their annual games.
Speaking to NewsDay Sport, ZITCOS president Andrew Moyo highlighted that the association is now shifting focus from just hosting competitions to building a competitive league structure that will run throughout the year.
He said the recently held games, hosted at Belvedere Technical Teachers College, provided a strong foundation for this vision, with all 14 teachers’ colleges participating across 13 sporting codes.
Moyo added that the association has already taken initial steps, with some institutions competing in existing national leagues, as part of a broader strategy to integrate college sport into mainstream competition.
“We have some of our teams already participating in leagues such as netball and basketball, and going forward, we are looking at starting regional leagues for teachers’ colleges,” Moyo said.
The ZITCOS president emphasised that the long-term goal is to create a competitive pathway that feeds into regional platforms such as the Confederation of Universities and College Sports Association Games set for Botswana in June.
Beyond competition, ZITCOS is also focusing on developing well-rounded sports practitioners within the education system.
Technical and development officer Brian Rukasha said the association is equipping students with practical skills that go beyond the field of play.
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He explained that the games served as a learning platform where students gained hands-on experience in key areas of sports management.
“Our main thrust, besides competition in colleges, is to ensure that students are equipped with practical knowledge and exposure to sports events management, focusing on areas such as dressing, nutrition, fixtures and programmes,” Rukasha said.
He noted that the just-ended games were instrumental in enhancing athletes’ experience while promoting lesser-known sporting disciplines such as cricket, karate, softball and handball.
Rukasha further underscored the broader role of sport in national development, linking college sport to economic growth and nation-building.
“Sport development is key to nation building and achieving industrialisation, and as college sport we have a role to play in enhancing the economy,” he said.
The tournament also reflected growing institutional support and collaboration, particularly between the ministries of Higher and Tertiary Education and Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture.
Moyo said the presence of Eugene Chidhakwa, the chief director in the Ministry of Sport, as a guest of honour symbolised the strengthening relationship between the two ministries in advancing sport development.
He added that partnerships with corporates such as Corporate 24 Medical Services, Salutem Medical Aid and CBZ further boosted the tournament, with contributions including kits, medals, trophies and logistical support.
While the games were largely successful, Moyo acknowledged challenges, particularly the high costs associated with hiring standard sporting facilities, which strained the organisation’s budget.
However, he revealed that colleges are now prioritising the development of their own sports infrastructure as a long-term solution.
The rebranded ZITCOS, formerly ZITCOSA, is now positioning itself as a key driver in the growth of college sport, with structured leagues expected to play a central role in nurturing talent and ensuring continuous competition.
With momentum building and stakeholder support increasing, the association believes its new direction will not only improve performance but also create a lasting impact on Zimbabwe’s sporting landscape.
