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Fungai Muderere, Senior Sports Reporter
SINCE time immemorial the country’s western border town of Plumtree let alone the whole of Matabeleland South province has reportedly never hosted a women’s sevens rugby event.
However, at a time when the entire world acknowledges that March is the Women’s Month, there is a need to continue to revisit the pledge we made as a nation to use sport to empower the girl child and to use the same to elevate the women in positions of responsibility.
It therefore does not need any chameleonic caution to mention that such positive capacity building initiatives certainly lead to due rewards in terms of athletes’ development, sound administration and management as has been proven that if “you empower a woman you empower the whole village.”
It is therefore pleasing to note that at a time numerous calls have been made on leaders and power holders to uphold girls’ fundamental rights to participate in decision making, a number of local sporting institutions and other stakeholders from across the sports ecosystem, have unapologetically become part of a powerful coalition to make gender equality a living reality in and through sport.
After having watched people of Matabeleland South being starved of women rugby action for times without number, it is pleasing to note that Plumtree High School will today play host to an inaugural Plumtree Sevens Women’s tournament.
What a perfect timing!
An ecstatic Matabeleland South Women’s Rugby representative, Catherine Shurugwi said besides that, the initiative is meant to get people of the border town and beyond appreciate the exciting sport that is played with an oval shaped ball, it’s also to celebrate the positive impact that women are making all over the world.
“It’s a way of getting people of Plumtree and beyond to accept rugby, and to enjoy this great game that has a huge following in many parts of the world. It has come at the perfect time as it will certainly help us to celebrate Women’s Month. If I remember well, there has never been a ladies rugby tournament in Matabeleland South,” said Shurugwi.
According to Shurugwi, teams that are expected to take part are Montrose, Bulldogs, Plumtree Queens, Highlanders Ladies, Faith Christian College, Plumtree High School and Entumbane Club.
Shurugwi underscored that as they were waiting for other sponsors to come through, tournament’s winners are so far guaranteed to get a floating trophy. — @FungaiMuderere
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