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Brandon Moyo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
IN another remarkable feat for the national Under-20 rugby team, the Junior Sables have been named Brand Ambassadors for the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority.
The former African champions will front ZTA’s ZimBho Brand.
Deputy Tourism and Hospitality Minister Tongai Mnangagwa announced the decision by his Ministry to partner the rugby side.
And spurred on by their new status, the Junior Sables turned on the power to overcome visiting Outback Barbarians of Australia 39-32 at Hartsfield Rugby Stadium in Bulawayo yesterday.
Coach Shaun De Souza’s men put on a fine display that left the crowd believing in the future of the national game.
De Souza credited Deputy Minister Mnangagwa for the opportunity to showcase the Zimbabwe brand, locally and internationally with the appointment, a big score for rugby and an endorsement of the Government’s commitment to sport and its economy.
“Our brand has been a success in the last three years. We were fortunate that the Honourable Deputy Minister of Tourism Mr Tongai Mnangagwa and the tourism group have come in with the ZimBho Brand to support the Junior Sables as brand ambassadors in local and international tourism,” De Souza said.
“We are fortunate to be picked up as Brand Ambassadors for the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority.
“It’s good for the youngsters, coming out of high school and making it to the national team set up to understand the values of local tourism and understanding that leaving your house going to another town in the country is tourism. Getting to know that helps build our country and promotes guys who are coming up,” he said.
The Ministry has been on a charm offensive to promote both local and foreign visitors to tour the country’s tourist destinations.
Turning to his side’s showing in the game, De Souza said their remarkable come from behind win over Queensland Outback Barbarians was a learning curve for his side.
They came from 20-21 down in the first half to claim victory.
But De Souza said it was not about the scoreboard.
He said they went into the match with a clear target as they were working on their defence as part of their preparations for the 2025 Barthes Trophy.
“Today’s game was about focusing on key areas, which is our defence and set pieces, just trying to build on last year’s loss in the Barthes Trophy.
“We had a 26-man squad, they had 28 but we were fortunate to let everyone have some minutes and showcase what they can do.
“It wasn’t about the scoreboard for us, it was about the small key focus areas that we were looking at that would lead to a good scoreboard. That wasn’t the plan but we will take the win and move on to the next step,” said De Souza.
In yesterday’s match, Wayne Kunaka scored the first try for the Junior Sables in the ninth minute with co-vice-captain Rusike converting to make it 7-0.
The big Australians, playing a physical and aggressive game, responded two minutes later with a converted try.
Moments later, Tinotenda Rusike nearly made a grave mistake before Shammah Jackson came in to the rescue with a kick.
Online Reporter