Online Reporter
Takudzwa Chitsiga-Zimpapers Sports Hub
PITBULLS coach Mauricio Jaya wants his side to improve on their final placing from last year’s Zambezi 7s Challenge Rugby Tournament and aim for gold at the competition, which roars into life at Harare Sports Club tomorrow.
Pitbulls bagged a silver medal in last year’s edition.
In tomorrow’s tourney, Jaya’s men will battle it out with Mutare Sports Club, Bulawayo giants Old Miltonians, Old Georgians Sports Club, Old Hararians Sports Club and Zimbabwe Republic Police.
Jaya wants Pitbulls, who draw their playing base from current and former Churchill High School learners, to also build on their recent impressive run in Lusaka Zambia.
“After winning the Red Arrows Sevens tournament in Zambia and the Paramount Garments this year we are raring to go.
“Confidence is high as we have proved that we are among the best. We have some good players and our inspirational captain Liberty Sibanda recently won the player of the tournament.
“We also look forward to players like Takudzwa Mundandishe who has been doing well of late.
“We work as a team and results are what we look forward to. In terms of competition there are good teams there who will give us a good run,’ said Jaya.
The two-day tournament will mark its fifth edition since inception in 2021.
Sponsored by Delta Beverages through their Zambezi Lager brand this year’s edition will have an international flavour as two teams from Zambia and one from Botswana will be joining the local contingent of clubs.
Irimayi Muzorewa the Delta Corporation marketing manager said they are looking forward to a good tournament which has grown from strength to strength over the years.
“The tournament has grown into a premier rugby event, attracting top talent from across Africa and beyond.
“This year, we’re excited to welcome Kenya to the line-up, joining previous participants from Germany, Zambia, and Botswana.
“We are thrilled to see the Zambezi Challenge Tournament grow and embrace inclusivity by welcoming more local clubs.
“This initiative not only elevates the competitive spirit but also strengthens community engagement and the development of sports in our region’’.
Zimbabwe’s Zambezi Cheetahs claimed victory in 2023 and 2024, while Germany lifted the trophy in 2022 and the Botswana Spartans won in 2021.
Local Clubs:
Women’s Tournament: Five international teams; two from Zambia, two from Zimbabwe, and one from Botswana.
Main Teams: Zambezi Cheetahs (Zimbabwe), Kenya, and Zambian national teams.
Prize Pool
A total of US$14 500 is up for grabs:
Men’s Cup Winners– US$5 000
Women’s Cup Winners – US$5 000
Runner’s Up Men – US$1 500
Runners Up Women – US$1 500
Plate Winners – US$500
Men’s and Women’s International MVP – US$500 each
