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Sports Reporters
DEFENDING champions Zimbabwe received just the tonic they needed for their ongoing Barthes Trophy campaign when a leading diversified food manufacturer National Foods committed to cater to the team’s needs with a kit sponsorship worth US$25 000.
Through their Nutri-Active brand, National Foods’ sponsorship covers not only their kit demands — which consists of match day jerseys, alternate jerseys, training kits, tracksuits, golf shirts, and hoodies — but also embarked on a billboard campaign aimed at raising awareness on the Junior Sables’ remarkable achievement.
Shaun De Souza’s charges are on a mission to win the Barthes Trophy for the third successive season.
They face regional rivals Namibia at Harare Sports Club’s Machinery Exchange stadium this afternoon where a second win for them will see them put one hand on the trophy.
The tournament, in which Kenya will take on Tunisia in an earlier match today is being played on a round-robin basis with the table-toppers advancing to the Junior World Trophy in Scotland in July.
And as the Junior Sables continue to keep their eyes on the prize, one of Zimbabwe Rugby Union’s all-weather friends, National Foods reiterated their commitment to the game.
“National Foods Limited, Zimbabwe’s leading food manufacturer, has exemplified its unwavering dedication to fostering the growth of sports through their prominent Nutri-Active brand,” read a statement from National Foods.
“Nutri-Active invested over USD25 000 in our comprehensive sponsorship.
“With such significant financial commitment, National Foods Limited demonstrates their belief in the potential of the Zimbabwe Junior Sables Rugby team and their commitment to empowering youth in sports.
“Moving forward, the company remains committed to supporting young talent whenever possible, ensuring a bright future for aspiring athletes in Zimbabwe.
In breaking down the actual sponsorship, the company added:
“It (the sponsorship) covers all aspects of the team’s attire, ensuring they are well-equipped and presented for their matches and training sessions.
“Nutri-Active also launched a billboard campaign honouring the Zimbabwe Junior Sables Rugby team.
“These billboards, strategically placed in prominent locations, celebrate the team’s achievements and promote the sport of rugby.
“The campaign serves as a powerful symbol of encouragement and recognition for the team while raising awareness of the sport in the broader community.”
National Foods went beyond the team’s apparel and advertising, extending their sponsorship to the team’s training camp.
They provided various groceries and Nutri-Active products to the team during their rigorous training sessions.
The Junior Sables sent warning shots to their rivals with a 46-21 win over Tunisia.
Earlier on the day Kenya had seen off Namibia 34-28.
Coach De Souza has refused to be flattered by the big win over the North Africans and has sought to strengthen his side making six changes to the side that started in the match against the North Africans.
De Souza has brought in Giordan Sarpo, Kholwani Moyo, Tanaka Mupamhadzi, Vuyani Ncube, and Shammah Jackson for the Lounge Ujenza Mutimawurukundo, Cody Grant, Alex Kern, and Brendon Jameson at hooker, scrumhalf, inside centre and right-wing positions respectively.
The coach also made some tactical changes, moving talisman Edward Sigauke from the outside centre to the fullback where his skipper Benoni Nhekairo was operating.
Nhekairo will today be operating at the flyhalf position, replacing Khlowani Moyo.
There had been an injury scare on Sigauke in the dying embers of their game against Tunisia but his inclusion in the team suggests that the talented player who is on the books of South African outfit Sharks is fit to lead the Junior Sables charge again.
With Namibia and Tunisia having lost their openers, they are likely to come out guns blazing in their respective games this afternoon, as they seek to rescue their campaigns.
Defeat for either will signal the end of the road for them.
Zimbabwe starting XV
- Emmanuel Gabi, 2. Giordan Sarpo, 3. Takudzwa Matsvimbo. 4. Tawanyasha Bwanya, 5. Thabani Ndlovu, 6. Joseph Benning, 7. Polite Phiri, 8. Allan Mawunga, 9. Khlowani Moyo, 10. Benoni Nhekairo, 11. Emmanuel Magutakuona, 12. Tanaka Mupamhadzi, 13. Vuyani Ncube, 14. Shammah Jackson, 15. Edward Sigauke
Replacements
- Tatenda Runyowa, 17. Kudzai Tsvakirai, 18. Huntsmann Greaves, 19. Tafara Dewa, 20. Samuel Edwards, 21. Wayne Kunaka, 22. Tinotenda Rusike, 23. Kaitano Tembo
Online Reporter