Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
THE game of rugby in Manicaland is on a development trajectory, rekindling memories of the good old days of the sport in the province.
The inaugural Rugby Manicaland Paramount 7s competition to be held at Mutare Sports Club tomorrow (Saturday) is ample evidence of the sterling administrative efforts in the region.
At least 12 men’s teams and four women’s teams that include Mutare Sports Club, Spartans, Eastern Giants and Bullets, Talons from Mashonaland East, two teams from Great Zimbabwe University, Ancient City from Masvingo, unconfirmed number of teams expected from Rusape, Dangamvura, Sakubva, Florida and Chikanga will be participating.
Matches kick off at 9am until 6pm.
Manicaland Rugby Board chairperson, Mos Kapumha said: “It will be a full day of fast, exciting, thrilling, jaw dropping, eye catching rugby from 16 competitive teams, both men and women’s clubs.
“The teams will be placed into groups, then proceed to the quarter finals, before the semi-finals and the final matches.”
The Paramount Garments 7s Tournament is a qualifier for the Zimbabwe top international 7s tournament – Zambezi Challenge Cup to be held in Harare on September 28.
Only the top two Manicaland teams for the men’s category will qualify for the Zambezi Challenge Cup.
Kapumha said: “We are thankful to Paramount Garments as this will be the first sponsored and localised 7s tournament in Manicaland Province. This tournament is good to showcase our local talent within the province, and keep the players motivated, health, fit, and out of trouble like drug abuse and other forms of misconduct.
“We hope playing rugby will inspire our local youths to also take up the sport, and find a place to socialise and network, supporting, and following this wonderful sport of rugby.”
Kapumha also spoke about the benefits of the tournament to local match officials.
“Local referees are being exposed to these games, and that is another way to be involved with the game through officiating. It is a paying job to officiate at these games. This speaks to employment creation for our youths and elders alike,” he said.
Kapumha added: “With everything in place for tomorrow’s tournament, we should come in our numbers and support our teams from Manicaland Province. We need to grow our fan base, and show Zimbabwe our talent and hosting skills.”
