The ManicaPost
Fungayi Munyoro Sports Correspondent
SAHUMANI Secondary School has embarked on a drive to promote girls’ rugby in a bid to enhance female participation in sporting activities. Sahumani Secondary School made their debut at the Dairibord Schools Rugby Festival in 2017. Last year Sahumani girls put up a commendable performance at the festival.
Their performance could not be ignored by the selectors resulting in the selection of Catherine Muranganwa, Mavis Zunga, Mary Birwa Privilege Mabhozhera and Fortunate Nyamavanga to be part of the Zimbabwe girls Under-18 team that took part in the Craven week in South Africa the same year.
Speaking after the Zimbabwe Rugby Union Manicaland Sevens women rugby tournament Sahumani Secondary School headmaster Mr Moses Nyamukungwa said the school is working on developing proper facilities at the school premises. “We are working on our infrastructure which is not conducive. We decided to support girls rugby because we want to give equal access and equal opportunities to the girls.
“Rugby for many years has been male dominated. The girl child has usually been overshadowed in a male dominated society but we want to expose our girls One of the major challenges that we are facing as a school is early marriages. Students are dropping off school and get married at a tender age. Introducing rugby was a way to create entertainment for the girl child,” he said.
Mr Nyamukungwa said his girls were getting ready for this year’s festival.
“Rugby has made a positive landmark for our school. We are raising the flag high in terms of women participation. We are expecting an increment in terms of the girls that are going to be selected. We also expect to continue to make our presence being felt at the festival,” he said.
He also urged other schools to take up the sport.
Meanwhile Mutare Sports Club, the Shumbaz got a rude awakening in the Rugby Super Six League campaign when they slumped to an open new season defeat by Harare Sports Club over the weekend. Mutare Sports Club suffered a 49-11 defeat. The Mackenzie Munetsi boys will face Old Miltonians at home. Kick off time is 3pm.
