Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Shaun De Souza Rugby Academy (SDRA24) will this weekend stage its first local event, the inaugural Community 10s Rugby Tournament, at Old Hararians Sports Club.
About 280 young players from academies and community clubs across Harare and nearby areas will converge for a day of rugby, learning, and empowerment.
Held under the banner of the Say No to Drugs campaign and Cancer Awareness Month, the tournament goes beyond the try line. It’s a celebration of community, health education, and the power of sport to inspire positive change at grassroots level.
Among the teams taking part are Dolphins, Little Giants, Genesis, Mother Patrick, and Crusaders, each fielding Under 11 and Under 17 sides.
“This event has been made possible through the dedicated efforts of the SDRA parents committee, who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure its success,” the academy said in a statement.
“Their commitment reflects the strong sense of community and shared purpose that drives our academy forward.”
Running under the theme From Grassroots to Greatness, the tournament aims to showcase the rapid rise of community rugby while using sport as a platform to educate, empower, and unite.
“Each match, training drill, and interaction embodies SDRA24’s mission, to nurture discipline, teamwork, and holistic development through rugby,” the statement added.
Founder and head coach Shaun De Souza said the tournament was about more than just competition.
“Rugby is more than a game, it’s a vehicle for character building, friendship, and community,” he said.
“Through this tournament, we are not only developing young athletes but also sending strong messages about making positive life choices, supporting one another, and raising awareness for causes that affect us all.”
De Souza said the event’s alignment with the Say No to Drugs initiative and Cancer Awareness Month gave it deeper purpose.
“The tournament seeks to highlight the growing concern of substance abuse among Zimbabwean youth and promote healthy, purposeful living rooted in discipline and self-respect. The Cancer Awareness campaign adds a profound layer of meaning, providing a visible platform to educate families about early detection, preventive care, and support for survivors.”
The day will feature educational talks, interactive booths, and resource stands from health partners and youth advocacy groups.
“Sport brings people together in a way few things can,” De Souza said. “By integrating awareness campaigns into community sport, we are empowering our young people to become informed, compassionate, and socially conscious, both on and off the field.”
For SDRA24, the Community 10s marks a key step in building a structured rugby pathway for Zimbabwean youth. Since its inception, the academy has focused on developing not just rugby ability, but also values such as teamwork, respect, and resilience.
“The tournament offers a stage for young athletes to test themselves in a competitive yet nurturing environment, fostering camaraderie and sportsmanship among local academies,” said De Souza.
“Coaches, scouts, and fans will witness the depth of emerging talent that is quietly transforming grassroots rugby in the country.”
He added that beyond the silverware, the event’s true value lies in moulding character. “Our goal is to build the next generation of leaders, not just rugby players. Every tackle, every pass, every game is an opportunity to teach resilience, respect, and teamwork, values that extend far beyond the rugby field.”
Mathew Masinge