Tendai Gukutikwa
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
KEY stakeholders in the game of rugby in Makoni District are unrelenting in their efforts to reignite the verve of the past, and this week embarked on a grassroots talent development initiative aimed at colts to junior rugby players.
Makoni District – a rugby talent nursery of repute in yesteryears – is reviving the good old days of the game through a series of tournaments that kicked off with Seven’s competition played last Saturday.
The tournament, which is ran under the theme – Rugby for a drug free youth – was hosted by a local outfit, Makoni Wolves Rugby Club, and was played at Makoni Country Club.
Makoni Rugby club coach and chairman, Pardon Manyengavana said after the successful hosting of the Sevens’ competition, this week they are focusing on nurturing talent as part of their broader and multi-pronged efforts to restore interest in the game among locals.
“So sometimes during the week, I will be leading a rugby development friendly tournament. The main focus is on colts and junior rugby players. The matches will be between kids from Makoni District and Marondera.
“The whole idea is to shift from the general norm of piecemeal development where focus is mainly on the mature age, but rather catch them young and persuade them to like and understand the sport at a tender age, so that we will become the player selection hub for the province and nation at large,” said Manyengavana.
In last weekend’s Seven’s competition played at Makoni Country Club, Wolves outplayed Knights in a match that ended in a 24-0 scoreline, while Talons beat Josco 46-0.
Even though they were once again on the receiving end, Josco came back slightly a better team after managing to score seven points against Wolves’ 26.
Talons humiliated Knights with a 56-5 scoreline, while Knights edged Josco 26-15.
Makoni District has shown potential to produce rugby talent, especially in the past, but lack of a well maintained facility has left youths in the district unable to partake in the game.
A recent takeover of the affairs of Makoni Country Club by a local businessman has shown positive results as the rugby ground is now being maintained for the benefit of local players. Meanwhile, the Manicaland Under-20 boys and girls will be playing against Harare Province on April 10 in Harare.
The Manicaland Under-20 teams might curtain raise for the Sables, Botswana match.
Manicaland Rugby Board has urged the players to attend training sessions on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday at Mutare Sports Club from 4.30pm to 6pm.
It is an open practice and selection will be done next week.
Girls practice will be at two venues – Dangamvura High School and The Watershed in Sakubva.
No panic button for Manica Diamonds yet
“We don’t have pressure, although we are worried, but we are not in panic mode. It is worrisome that we failed to collect maximum points at home. Everyone expects us to collect maximum points at home.
“We believe our coaches and players are still on track. It must have been just a rough patch. In football, the technical department reviews their performance after every match, and as a club, we review all other factors, not just the technical department’s performance.
“We don’t just look at one department. It is, not just the players or the technical department, but we take a wholesome approach to ensure we are well-prepared in all facets,” he said.Chagonda expressed concern about the team’s tendency to surrender leads and settle for draws.
“The other worrisome factor is that we take the lead, then settle for draws, like in our last two matches. I am sure this will be looked into,” said Chagonda.
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