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Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
THE new Manicaland Rugby Board has set the ball rolling with short and medium term plans aimed at developing the sport across the province without leaving no one behind.
Moss Kapumhwa who replaced veteran sports administrator, Josiah Borerwe as chairman will be leading the board that includes Mackenzie Munetsi who comes in as the vice-chairman, Casper ‘Belt’ Bandi (secretary) as well as Tinashe Gombakomba (fixtures secretary).
Gideon Muyambo is the treasurer, while Gibson Mangongo is the president.
Kapumhwa said: “First, I would like to acknowledge my predecessor (Borerwe) and thank him and his board for what they have done for rugby in Manicaland. We will keep the grassroots development motion alive. We have to review and put all administrative issues up to code and current standard.
“This should be achieved through setting up structures similar to ZRU with our own twist. We hope to set and stimulate a board that will achieve a lot to the province and nation at large.
“We hope to engage other stakeholders such as the provincial Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Office, Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC), Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution’s Office, TAG Rugby, referees, National Association of Primary Head (NAPH) and National Association of Secondary Head (NASH), media, corporate world and old boys and girls. The goal is also to have school rugby leagues for both boys and girls at primary and secondary school levels,” he said.
“We are putting in place five-year plan and 10-year plans for rugby in Manicaland. In both the long term and short terms plans, we intend to conduct clinics in the province to cover areas that include coaching, refereeing and administration. We also want to urge youths to desist from drugs abuse,” he said.
The new board assumed duty on a sad note following the death one of the game’s illustrious followers, Taso Dombropolous.
“This man and his family helped develop rugby in Manicaland in the late 80s and early 90s. During the last tour of Mutare Sports Club to Malawi, he contributed immensely to the club by availing the transport, rugby equipment and gear for players. His family also formed the then Makoni Rugby Club which was based at Odzi Country Club in the mid to late 90s,” said Kapumhwa.
Meanwhile, the National Premier League action goes ahead with Mutare Sports Club yet to get a point from their efforts after losing their opening encounter.
The Shumbaz were handed a humiliating 53-10 defeat by log leaders, Old Georgians.
In the Division One A, Mutare-based Old Crestonians are riding on the crest of success after topping the eight-team table, thanks to a match won and the other ending in a draw, in the two matches they have played so far.
Crestonians have seven points so far together with Harare Sports Club Two.
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