Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE excitement is building as the Shaun De Souza Rugby Academy (SDRA24) prepares to host the inaugural Community 10s Rugby Tournament on Saturday at Old Hararians Sports Club.
Running from 8:30am to 3pm, the event is open to the public with free gate entry, welcoming families, rugby enthusiasts and community members from all walks of life.
Organised in conjunction with the “Say No to Drugs” campaign and Cancer Awareness Month, this tournament goes far beyond the try line — it’s a celebration of community, health education, and the unifying power of sport to drive positive change at the grassroots level.
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. Their commitment reflects the strong sense of community and shared purpose that drives the academy forward.
The SDRA24 Community 10s promises an action-packed day of youth rugby, featuring over 280 young players from academies and community clubs across Harare and the surrounding areas.
Participating teams include SDRA24, Dolphins, Little Giants, Genesis, Mother Patrick and Crusaders, among others — each fielding sides in the Under-11 to Under-17 divisions.
Under the theme “From Grassroots to Greatness,” the tournament aims to showcase the explosive growth 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.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, founder and head coach of SDRA24, Shaun De Souza, emphasised the broader vision behind the event.
“Rugby is more than a game — it’s a vehicle for character building, friendship, and community. Through this tournament, we’re 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.”
In addition to the rugby action, the tournament aligns with two critical causes — the fight against drug and substance abuse and Cancer Awareness Month. Through the “Say No to Drugs” initiative, the event 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 event will feature short educational talks, interactive booths and resource materials from health partners and youth advocacy groups.
“Sport brings people together in a way few things can,” De Souza added.
“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 Tournament marks a key milestone in its journey to create a structured rugby pathway for young players across Zimbabwe.
Since its founding, the academy has been devoted to developing not only rugby skills but also life skills — teamwork, discipline, respect, and resilience.
The tournament offers a stage for young athletes to test their ability in a competitive yet nurturing environment, fostering camaraderie and sportsmanship among local academies.
Coaches, scouts, and fans will witness the depth of emerging talent that is quietly transforming grassroots rugby in the country. Spectators can look forward to high-energy matches, skills demonstrations and family-friendly entertainment throughout the day.
Food stalls, music and fun activities will ensure an atmosphere of unity and celebration — a reflection of Zimbabwe’s growing community rugby culture.
The SDRA24 has quickly become one of Zimbabwe’s most promising grassroots development programmes.
Guided by the vision “Building the Next Generation,” the academy focuses on structured coaching, mentorship and values-based education.
Its programmes have positively impacted hundreds of young athletes, teaching them the values of respect, responsibility and perseverance.
The Community 10s represents a natural extension of this mission — blending sport with social consciousness and community engagement. Beyond trophies and medals, the tournament’s true victory lies in shaping well-rounded individuals who understand the importance of teamwork, empathy and leadership.
Peter Tanyanyiwa