Online Reporter
The Kutama College rugby fields came alive on Saturday as the school hosted the first-ever Mashonaland West Rugby 7s Tournament.
The event drew 11 teams from across the province and marked a significant step in transforming rugby from an elite sport to an inclusive, community-driven discipline.
Kutama College, long regarded as a rugby powerhouse, welcomed teams such as Matana College (Chinhoyi), Nemakonde, Musengezi High, Inkomo Barracks, Miromai, and the Norton Rugby Academy, among others. The event was organized by the Mashonaland West Rugby Association (MWRA) and supported by the Provincial Education Directorate and the National Association of Secondary Heads (NASH), reflecting a broad coalition committed to rugby’s growth.
The tournament showcased the fast-paced, high-energy format of Rugby Sevens, where teams of seven players compete in 14-minute matches, allowing for multiple games in a single day and providing ample opportunity for talent identification and development.
Courage Madzikatire, Director of Coaching and Development for Mashonaland West Rugby, emphasized the importance of taking rugby to every corner of the province:
“We are trying to showcase the rugby talent that we have in Mashonaland West Province. What we have decided to do is take rugby to each and every corner of the province. Rugby has so many versions – tag, touch, tens, sevens – so anyone can get involved. Today, we are witnessing high school students playing sevens rugby at Kutama College, and the turnout is a testament to the hunger for the sport in our communities.”
Prominent rugby administrator and the chairperson of the Mashonaland West provincial rugby board who facilitated the tournament Temba Mliswa highlighted the broader social impact of sport.
“When you expose young people to sport and recreation, they want to maintain their wellness and health, steering clear of negative influences like drug abuse and alcoholism. Government investment in sport is not just about competition – it’s about building healthier, more resilient communities,” said Mliswa.
This sentiment is echoed in the structure of rugby administration in Zimbabwe, where the Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU) and regional bodies like the MWRA are increasingly focused on grassroots development, coaching certification, and resource provision.
Provincial Education Director Mr Gabriel Mhuma outlined the education sector’s strategies for embedding rugby in schools.
“We have a clear structure and campaign for support. After this launch, school heads are committed to ensuring rugby is introduced in their schools.
‘‘We are forming rugby clubs, creating tournaments, and ensuring activities run throughout the year. But for this to succeed, we need meaningful budgets for sports, especially for new disciplines like rugby, where equipment and facilities are lacking.”
Dr Ekias Zvirevo, NASH Provincial Chairperson, expressed excitement at the transformation underway:
“As heads, we are really excited. The idea of changing rugby from being elitist to being inclusive of every school and learner in Mashonaland West really excites us. We are embracing this, and I can assure you that going forward, you will see many schools participating in rugby.”
Despite the enthusiasm, challenges remain. Funding for sports in Zimbabwean schools is limited, with many institutions operating on stagnant or minimal budgets. There is also a need for more qualified coaches, better facilities, and a shift in perceptions about rugby’s safety and accessibility, especially in rural areas.
However, the success of the Kutama College tournament and the commitment from education and rugby officials signal a turning point.
The MWRA’s donation of rugby balls to participating schools and the push for teacher coaching certification are practical steps toward building a sustainable rugby culture.
The tournament was sponsored by Spring resort, TPM Foundation and Rengwe Conservancy.
