adminThe festival has five referees and four referee coaches from the region who have come to assess and also help improve the standards of officiating in the country.
The visiting referees and referee coaches are from South Africa, Namibia, Uganda and Kenya.
Officials from Zambia could not make it although they were invited.
The foreign contingent of referees include Amos Wamannga of Kenya, Stepan van Dyk from South Africa, Gregory Wedderburn of South Africa, Daniel Botes from Namibia and Saudah Adiru from Uganda.
The referee coaches are Johnnes Coetzer, Allan O’Connell, Daries Bretenbach and Paul Kilonzo.
“We are happy that the people taking part in officiating this year has grown, we have lot of new blood coming into the system which is very good for us,” said Matthew.
“Zimbabwe has good young referees who have the potential.
“The idea behind inviting the referees is that we would also like to be able to send referees to officiate outside the country to improve their standards.”
About 50 local referees will take centre stage with Prince Edward’s Augustine Kupara, aged 15, being the youngest to officiate this year.
Hannes de Bruijn, a Zimbabwean referee, said there was a lot of enthusiasm on the first day.
“There is a lot of enthusiasm, a lot of talent and am sure we will see the players gaining much confidence as the festival continues,” said de Bruijn.
“The standard of rugby most players displayed was good they have the talent. It is very encouraging to see that there are a lot of girls team taking part and also many Under-16 teams.”
Kupara, who is the youngest referee at the festival, said he will work hard as he wants to become Zimbabwe’s number one rugby referee.
“I dream big. I will be Zimbabwe’s best referee in future. I enjoyed my first day at the festival and I want to become a good referee,” said Kupara.
Online Reporter