The ManicaPost
Kudakwashe Chidziya Sports Correspondent
MUTARE Sports Club ground terraces were last Saturday filled to capacity during the Manicaland Rugby Board developmental tournament.
The tournament was introduced last year to scout, nurture and develop rugby talent in Manicaland and all games were played in a round robin format.
Seven local teams took part in the competition including Mutare Sports Club senior and Under 21 teams, Mutare Teachers College, Mountain Lions, Mutare Polytechnic, Makoni and Mutare Boys High School senior team.
Mutare Sports Club senior team outshined its competitors with thrilling performances and out of the eleven matches played, MSC was unbeaten.
In their opening match, MSC won 35-0 against Makoni Country Club.
They also defeated Mountain Lions 17-0, Mutare Teachers College 53-0 and Magamba Training Centre 30-0.
Mutare Boys High school also gave a spirited performance though it succumbed to a 15-12 defeat at the hands of Mutare Teachers College.
Speaking just after the Tournament, Manicaland Rugby Board chairman Josiah Borerwe said the tournament was meant to broaden player selection and develop clubs in the province.
“This unique tournament in Manicaland seeks to wide broaden the player selection base. This competition will help prepare High School teams like Mutare Boys High and others for prestigious tournaments like the Dairy Board tournament.
“Before they leave the Province, they should be well polished and oiled so that we bring glory to Manicaland,” said Borerwe.
Speaking at the same event, Mutare Sports Club chairman Moss Kapuma emphasised on the issue of player development.
“We do not just need talented players but disciplined and professional players who will be able to play for international clubs,” he said.
After the tournament, MSC donated a rugby kit to Rusape Rugby Club.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe Rugby Union president Aaron Jani was elected into the Rugby Africa Executive Committee as a board member.
Other executive members include Abdennaceur Bougja (Morocco), Clement Sinkamba (Zambia) ,Guedel N’Diaye (Senegal), Herman Mbonyo Lihumba (DRC), Rolande Boro (Burkina Faso) and Paulina Lanco (Kenya).
