Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE women’s game could soon have a permanent and bigger seat at the table during the Nedbank Rugby Challenge Cup.
This was the biggest takeaway from the competition’s official launch at Harare Sports Club’s Machinery Exchange grounds yesterday.
Tournament director Shaun De Souza and Zimbabwe Rugby Union chief executive Sifiso Made revealed that talks are currently underway to include more women’s fixtures in the years to come.
“This is big for us, both as an association and as a sport,” said Made.
“Like Nedbank, who see money differently, we as the Zimbabwe Rugby Union we are also viewing this particular tournament differently.
“Firstly, it is important that we get more rugby on the scene. The world over, the sport is played all year round, but due to many circumstances, we can’t do that.
“So, any rugby played and any tournament that comes up is always a good thing.
“The addition of the ladies during this fourth edition is also another huge step in the right direction’’.
Made acknowledged the significant role women continue to play in the growth of sport in the country and around the world.
“Women are taking the lead now and it’s about time they did so.
“The inclusion of the women just goes to show the strides that have been made and, ideally, we would want more games for them.
“Budget allowing, we surely should expect more.
“Talks are currently underway for their increased presence in future editions,” he said.
De Souza, who is also the national men’s Under-20 coach, echoed Made’s sentiments.
“We are excited that the Nedbank Rugby Challenge Cup is finally here,” he said.
“There are so many things to be excited about what with the addition of the ‘Grassroots to Greatness’ team and the inclusion of the women in this edition of the competition.
“We have the women’s Junior Sables team playing their senior counterparts, the Lady Sables, and this is a great platform for both teams to prepare for their upcoming assignments.
“We have sat down with Nedbank, and they have been very supportive towards the girl child, so we should expect more matches in the editions to come.
“We had clubs last time around and, this year, we went a notch up by including the national teams.
“The next step should be inviting provincial teams to come and play at a mini-tournament,” he said.
The Nedbank Rugby Challenge Cup officially kicks off tomorrow with the tournament slated for March 29-April 5 at Harare Sports Club Machinery Exchange grounds.
Eight teams are expected to fight for honours in the two weekends of rugby.
These include defending champions and hosts Harare Sports Club, Old Georgians, Old Hararians, Paramount Under-20 champions Pitbulls, Manicaland and Matabeleland select sides, the Junior Sables and a ‘Grassroots to Greatness’ Zimbabwe Under-20 side.
