adminPaul Munyuki Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE Sevens rugby side, the Cheetahs, are missing out on international tournaments because of lack of funds for the side to take part in any events.
Traditionally, the Cheetahs have taken part in either the Safaricom International Sevens in Kenya or have gone to South Africa for the Middelburg Nashua Sevens. But this year they have been missing in action.
The Safaricom Sevens started yesterday in Nairobi while the Middelburg Nashua Sevens will not be played this year.
Zimbabwe Sevens chairman Donald Mangenje yesterday told The Herald that they do not have enough funds to send their side to Kenya for the annual tournament that has grown to be one of the biggest Sevens tournament on the continent.
“We are facing financial problems. We would have loved to see our side playing in Kenya but we have been forced not to take part in it because funds are not permitting,” said the former Cheetahs and Sables scrum-half.
Zimbabwe last took part in the Hong Kong leg of the International Rugby Board Sevens Series that was being used as a core membership qualifier in March.
Taking part in the Safaricom International Sevens tournament are the likes of Argentina, Uganda, Germany, Spain, Kenya (featuring as Shujaa) and South African sides who include Western Province, Boland, Sharks.
Australia Icons, Samurai, Auckland Metro, Samurai, Welsh Warriors and Suzuki Wailers are some of the teams that are taking part in the three-day tournament.
The only representation Zimbabwe will have at the Safaricom Sevens is that top Sevens rugby officials — Mudiwa Mundawarara and Bongani Zamchiya — have been selected as commissioners.
The duo will perform roles of citing commissioner and judicial officer and will oversee this international sevens rugby tournament that started yesterday and will run till tomorrow.
The tournament had since attracted nine international match officials drawn from Europe, South America and Africa.
The other international sevens rugby officials are Argentina’s Deluca Pablo, Spain’s Ibbareta Inigo, New Zealand’s Steve Piacun and the English duo of Matthew Gareth and David Guerin.
A panel of referees from Africa include South Africa’s Jaco Kotze and Uganda’s Paul Ojambo. However, Mangenje indicated that they have set provisional dates for the local Sevens Summer Series that will see players getting a chance of being selected for the Cheetahs as they are set to take part in the IRB World Sevens Series South Africa leg early December.
Mangenje said they were having training sessions which will be open to all rugby players who are interested in showing they have what it takes to be in the national team.
“But we still have the Port Elizabeth tournament set for early December and our selection has started with open training sessions for players in both Harare and Bulawayo every Monday and Wednesday evenings.
“In Harare players are training at Old Georgians’ Sports Club, core players are also attending these training sessions as they are open to all those who feel they can give something to Zimbabwe rugby.
“After this we are going to have regional tournaments in Harare and Bulawayo and we have also set our provisional dates for these tournaments, the first being on November 1 in both cities, then we will have the next two in Harare over the next two consecutive weekends,” said Mangenje.
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