The ManicaPost
Blessing Gondokondo Sports Reporter —
MANICALAND Rugby Board chairman Josiah Borerwe applauded efforts by Provincial Development Officer (Mutasa) Phannel Toro for the job well done in the year 2016 in helping develop rugby in the predominantly rural district of Mutasa.
Borerwe said that MRB and Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU) are excited about the improved participation of schools in Mutasa in rugby.
“Toro last year (2016) proved his worth in the field of rugby. He has worked with different Government ministries, organizations and individuals to spread rugby to the marginalized areas especially in Mutasa.
“Through this he deserves to be awarded. MRB and ZRU recognize Toro for his great work and they have supported him in most of the rugby tournaments. Toro was able to mould good players from all the areas he has worked in. 17 of his players were chosen to be part of the Manicaland rugby select team which went to participate at the annual Diary Board tournament at Peter House High School.
“When I had an interview with some of his players on the day they were so grateful and inspired to have been exposed to such an event. The players are willing to play rugby to greater heights. MRB hails Toro because of his passion for both the game and the players. He has added primary schools rugby teams and women rugby teams on his list, this is marked as another achievement,” said Borerwe.
Toro is MRB’s provincial development officer for Mutasa district and he is in charge of training rugby to over 15 schools.
In an interview with Toro, he thanked MRB and ZRU for its supports in all the 2016s tournaments held.
“MRB and ZRU always support our tournaments. They always give the players an overwhelming platform for rugby starting with the jerseys for the players, rugby balls, gloves, hit-rubs and bandages for sores. I am not stopping but rather continuing. I am targeting to extend the development of rugby to Chipinge, Buhera and Makoni,” said Toro.
Mutasa district has been having rugby tournaments but they would stop at district level as they are the only larger cluster in Manicaland taking rugby seriously.
Meanwhile president for MRB Richard Chiwandire said MRB’s support is extending the support to every district in Manicaland.
“The MRB’s target is to spread rugby across the province and our new year’s resolutions are to make sure that all the districts in Manicaland taking rugby should converge at a provincial finals tournament this year. This tournament will also create a platform for the rugby coaches to select a strong Manicaland team,” said Chiwandire.
