Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
SPORT remains one of the low hanging fruits in the fight against the ravaging drug and substance abuse in communities across the country, and Member of the House of Assembly for Mutasa South Constituency, Misheck Mugadza, is weaponising the game of rugby, through a potentially explosive Sevens Tournament, in the fight against the scourge.
Mugadza, who is also the Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, mobilised resources to have a total of eight teams battle it out tomorrow (Saturday) in a seven’s rugby competition dubbed the Mugadza Substance Abuse Awareness Seven’s Tournament.
The event, which is set for Eve Golf Course Grounds in Florida, Mutare, is themed: ‘Rugby for a healthier tomorrow’.
Local teams that include Mutare Sports Club, Rockstars, Rusape Buffaloes, ZRP Manicaland, Knights, Eastern Giants, Africa University as well as invited teams Talons from Marondera and Great Zimbabwe University from Masvingo will partake in the competition.
Mugadza said: “Our President, Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa, is very clear about issues to do with drug and substance abuse. He has said no to drugs.
“He has said our youths are our future, and we must make sure as leaders, wherever we are, must preach the gospel of say no to drugs.
“He said we must create things that must occupy our youths more often so that they do not have time for drug and substance abuse. Therefore, sport is one thing that will go a long way in making youths shun drug and substance abuse.”
The Mutasa South legislator, said support should be rendered to the so-called minority sports since there are youths who also enjoy playing them.
“It is unfortunate that we have a number of sports genres that enjoy huge following and support like football, and yet we also have others like rugby where we have a lot of youths who also enjoy the game.
“These youths, if neglected we are not following the words of our leader, President Mnangagwa in not leaving anyone and any place behind. It is against this background that I have asked the Mutare Sports Club leadership and rugby authorities in the province to orgainse this competition in my constituency.
“We will have the tournament in Florida, and teams from my constituency will be taking part as well as other teams that were invited for the tournament.
“This is something that we will be encouraging other Members of the House of Assembly to do and ensure that it cascades to all parts of the province,” said Mugadza.
Manicaland Rugby Board chairperson, Casper ‘Belt’ Bandi, thanked Mugadza for the initiative.
“We are truly grateful to the Member of the House of Assembly for Mutasa South Constituency (Mugadza) for this initiative. I am encouraging everyone to continue fighting drug and substance abuse by keeping our young people engaged in a meaningful sporting activities.
“Through rugby, we continue to inspire our youths to make positive choices, stay focused and become a responsible members of society. I believe sport is a powerful tool creating positive change and build a brighter future for our communities.
“Together we can make a difference as we say no to drugs and substance abuse. All teams that have been playing in Greenvest Minerals will attend, and we have invited a couple of teams from outside Manicaland,” said Bandi.
