Gidza believes in Southern Region players

Paul Munyuki Sports Reporter
CHEETAHS coach Gilbert “Gidza” Nyamutsamba believes rugby players from the Southern Region can dominate the scene in the next two years if they take the developmental initiatives running in the area seriously.

Once a hub of local rugby, the Southern Region, made up of Masvingo, Zvishavane, Gweru, Bulawayo and Hwange, has not been able to develop a lot of rugby talent for both the XVs and Sevens version of the game.

Kilvan Magunje (Gweru), Japhet Ndebele, Lloyd Machanjaire, Wes Mbanje and Gardner Nechironga (all from Bulawayo) have popped up over the last few years but only a few of them have lasted the distance.

“Harare has always dominated Sevens and most of the players come from the capital but I believe if we take seriously the Sevens developmental tournaments we are conducting in the Southern Region, I believe in the next two years we will be at the same level with Harare,” said Nyamutsamba.

“Last week a number of clubs travelled to Gweru for a Sevens tournament where two clubs from Bulawayo, a team from Masvingo made up of students, Zvishavane and Gweru Sports Club took part.

“Over the past weeks we have been having tournaments and it was a chance for me to look at the boys and I also feel that it’s good to note that we now have a team from Masvingo and this is a welcome development that is in line with the growth of the game in Zimbabwe.”

With Harare hosting the Sevens Africa Cup at Harare Sports Club in 30 days time, Nyamutsamba said players in Bulawayo have been training at Hartsfield.

“At the moment we have an open policy where anyone who feels they are able to make it into the Cheetahs or those who think they have something to offer to Zimbabwe Rugby can come for the training sessions,” said Nyamutsamba.

“And I am happy that the response has been good because we are getting at least 15 players coming for the sessions.

“We must also remember that in Harare there is also a similar set-up where those that are interested gather and train at Old Georgians Sports Club.”