Zimbabwe Targets SADC Expansion for Car-Spinning Sport

By Simba Zimunya

Zimbabwe is targeting regional expansion of its growing car-spinning scene, with investment in specialised facilities and equipment emerging as a major requirement for taking the sport beyond the country's borders.

The ambition comes as the Zimbabwe Spinners Association seeks to build on its growth since attaining national association status in 2023. The country now has five spinning arenas, according to association president Shingirai Kupara.

Speaking during the Burn It Out Battle of Cities tournament in Kwekwe, Kupara said the sport was attracting participants from outside Zimbabwe, including a spinner from Zambia.

Zimbabwe Eyes Wider SADC Participation

Kupara said the tournament brought together participants representing Harare, Gweru, Masvingo and Bulawayo, while the presence of a Zambian spinner demonstrated the potential for cross-border participation.

He said the association hoped to expand the sport across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region in the coming years.

However, establishing and maintaining spinning arenas remains expensive, creating a financial challenge for the sport's development.

Investment Remains a Major Challenge

Zambian spinner Pande said car spinning offered participants an opportunity to relax and interact across borders, but called for greater financial investment to support its growth.

He described the sport as requiring substantial resources because of its high maintenance costs.

The comments highlight the need for investment not only in facilities but also in the equipment required to sustain organised spinning activities.

Young Drivers Eye International Opportunities

The tournament also showcased the participation of young drivers, including 14-year-old Lucky Dube Junior, who hopes to take his skills beyond Zimbabwe.

The young spinner said he viewed the activity as both a sport and a recreational pursuit, expressing ambitions to build a name for himself internationally.

Can Car Spinning Become a Regional Sport?

Zimbabwe's five spinning arenas and growing participation provide a foundation for the association's regional ambitions.

But expansion across SADC will require more than enthusiasm and competitions. The cost of developing and maintaining suitable venues remains a significant obstacle, while sustained investment will be important if the sport is to grow into a more established regional activity.

For now, the association's ambition is clear: to build on Zimbabwe's progress and create opportunities for car spinning to reach a wider regional audience.