Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
AMID the growing pressure on the Zimbabwe Rugby Union to revive a national league, Manicaland province have sought to put their structures in place in readiness for the possibility of that countrywide championship.
In their bid to strengthen their game, Manicaland were at the weekend boosted by a huge financial injection, which was unveiled by mining concern Greenvest Minerals in Mutare.
Immediately a tournament to mark the new journey, which has an initial three-year period, unfolded with stakeholders hailing the new development. Ultimately, the miners want Mutare to host an international Sevens tournament late this year with rugby alumni from across the world expected to attend. Greenvest managing director Gerald Sibanda, who played for both Zimbabwe’s Sables and the Cheetahs, noted the urgent need for rugby to get more support in order for the country’s third biggest sport to thrive.
“I think, as a former player, I belong to rugby. It gave me so much for 15 years throughout my career, both internationally and locally.
“This is my only way to give back to rugby as a business person.
“Manicaland Rugby is a board that has always been with us, and I’m happy now to unlock some investment for Manicaland Rugby for the next three years,” said Sibanda.
“Obviously, the investment will be centred on the Super League itself. But we also want to establish a high-performance centre, and semi-professionalise the Manicaland men’s and women’s fifteens teams.” The businessman revealed that his company will also sponsor a Sevens tournament later this year.
“The highlight for me will be the Sevens Rugby tournament. I think it will kick-start fantastic domestic, regional, and international tourism for this region. Tourism-wise, this is a region that is rich in history.
“Taking the Sevens Rugby to Sakubva will be a fantastic opportunity. I’m also bringing my colleagues — former legends of the game, former Springbok players, and former New Zealand players — who have already confirmed they’re coming down to participate in the launch of the Sevens Rugby Tournament, which we’ll have here in Manicaland,” added Sibanda.
“For sure, we are more than delighted. We’re here to support Manicaland for the next three years, and hopefully for many years to come.”
Mutare rugby stakeholders hailed the initiative with the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Manicaland Province, Misheck Mugadza, who was represented by legislator Washington Zihwihwi saying; “This is a great initiative for rugby in Manicaland province.
“We really salute the new sponsor for coming up with such a tremendous investment in rugby.
“We have a lot of rugby stars here, and their talent has been going down the drain due to a lack of remuneration in this sport. The coming in of Greenvest, who have committed to sponsoring the league for an initial period of three years, is a game changer.” NASH head in charge for rugby Philip Padhuze, who is the Mutare Boys High School headmaster, echoed the same sentiments.
