Online Reporter
Ray Bande
THE Manicaland Rugby Board has unveiled the Paramount Manicaland Rugby League, a new franchise-based competition that is expected to roll into life on May 17.
Manicaland Rugby Board chairperson Moss Kapumha, said the league aims to raise rugby standards across the province while providing greater opportunities for young players.
“We are excited to be having the Paramount Manicaland Rugby League this year. It is set to kick off on May 17. Six men’s teams and four ladies’ teams will compete in this contest.
“Ideally, this competition aims to raise rugby standards across the province while providing greater opportunities for young players. This is the reason we are so grateful to our corporate partners — Paramount Garments — for their dedication to the growth of the game,” said Kapumha.
The six men’s teams that will compete in the Paramount Manicaland Rugby League include Mutare Sports Club Rugby, Old Crestonian Rugby Club, Eastern Giants Rugby Club, Knights Rugby Club, Bateleurs Rugby Club and Rusape Rugby Club.
According to Kapumha, under the new structure, local sides such as Knights and Spartans in Sakubva have merged under the Knights Rugby Club banner, while Phonix and Bateleurs in Chikanga will now play as Bateleurs Rugby Club.
The women’s league will include Mutare Sports Club Rugby, Honde Valley’s Sahumani Bullets Club, Eastern Giants and Knights.
Kapumha said: “This new league marks a fresh era for the game of rugby in Manicaland, focused on unity, competition and player growth. More game time for our players will obviously mean production of more talented players for the province and the nation at large.”
Meanwhile, the Manicaland Under 20 boys and girls will be travelling to Harare on Saturday to play Interprovincial games that will curtain raise for the Sables, Botswana encounter at Harare Sports Club.
Kapumha said: “To followers of the game in Manicaland this is historic. It is a first. We ask for the support of all stakeholders of the game. Games will start at 10:30am to 1:30pm then we wait for the main match pitting Zimbabwe and Zambia.”
