Historic anti-doping tests at Cottco rugby festival

testing to other sporting disciplines.
“The education for anti-doping tests at this festival has been going on over the years and this has helped because the response has actually been positive. The organisers of the tournament have done a splendid job in allocating a budget for anti-doping tests and this is a welcome development especially to the young players who will make up tomorrow’s teams.
“We have practised in-competition testing and we are looking forward to testing eight players by the end of the tournament.
“Today (yesterday) we tested three players and by Saturday we should have tested the eight we are targeting.
“The anti drugs commission has always encouraged clean sports as this gives no unfair advantage,” Munyonga said.
Eaglesvale team coach, Arthur Musikavanhu, said this was a good development for the athletes.
“The programme is good as it helps youngsters whose progress can be disturbed by use of these illegal drugs.
“This is part of professionalism,” Musikavanhu said.
Jameson High School coach, Kudakwashe Mukwambo, said it was the right move.
“Having started this it needs a follow-up so that the youngsters know that it is a serious issue,” he said.
In another development four schools got rugby kit donations from Nashua Zimbabwe as part of their social responsibility programme.
The hosts Prince Edward, Allan Wilson, Milton and Mutare Boys got rugby kit at a colourful ceremony while Churchill got some rugby balls from the sponsors. Nashua sales and development manager, Leonard Nyamutsamba, said their aim was to improve the sport.
“We have some school developments programmes and we are happy to be associated with rugby. This is our first donation in rugby and we are looking forward to continue doing this. We have been involved with other sports but coming to rugby is a positive move for us.
“We are also going to give soccer kits to schools in Bulawayo next week and we will keep on working for sport development. Strengthening local communities is everyone’s responsibility so we are trying by all means,” Nyamutsamba said.