adminPaul Munyuki Sports Reporter
VETERAN coach Godwin “Jaws” Murambiwa feels the inclusion of the local game into the South African Rugby Union system is a chance for Zimbabwe to re-invent its game.
With the standard of play in both the domestic level and at national level going down gradually over the years, Murambiwa feels this is an opportunity not to be wasted.
“This is an opportunity for Zimbabwean rugby to re-invent its game and come up with something exciting, something different compared to the same old rugby we are used to watching in the domestic league.
“It is best we take advantage of this chance because the stronger our domestic game becomes, the stronger the national team is. There are usually better results when the Sables are playing with their domestic player that having player from all over (the world).
“The fact that we got one slot to play for means a lot for the local game because at least we have somewhere to start from especially that everything (transport and accommodation) is catered for by the tournament organisers.
“So basically 2016 is going to be an exciting year for Zimbabwean rugby. Remember the ZRU (Zimbabwe Rugby Union) just won the right to host the Junior World Trophy tournament,” said Murambiwa.
Zimbabwe were on Monday incorporated into the Gold Cup — a club championship tournament formerly known as the Community Cup — and will not only play South African sides, but will also have a chance to play a side from Namibia.
Namibia has been dominant over Zimbabwe sides at all levels from the junior sides, the Young Sables and the flagship side the Sables over the last years, but Murambiwa thinks the Gold Cup could be key for Zimbabwe to beat the Welwitchias.
“The bigger platform is that Namibia are also involved in the tournament so that should give our technical guys a chance.
“We have not been able to beat them at national level, they know a lot about us and this is a chance for us to know more about them and that is another big plus for us.
“Zimbabwe rugby should rise to a high level such that we compete against South Africa and beat Namibia,” said the former Sables coach.
Online Reporter