Chronicle Editor
Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE Sables team manager, Jason Maritz is still optimistic their planned tour of Netherlands will go ahead, with a way forward to be mapped out by Friday.
While World Rugby have given the green light for the Sables to play Netherlands in two Tests in the European country at the end of this year, the biggest challenge is that Zimbabwe is not one of the countries whose nationals are allowed to enter the land of the Dutch due to the coronavirus.
“As of 5 August, Zimbabwe is not on the travel list of countries to enter the Netherlands according to the NOC*NSF (Dutch Olympic Committee*Dutch Sports Federation). This means we can’t apply for visas and won’t be allowed entry into the country at this stage due to Covid-19 restrictions. Basically, if the borders don’t allow us in there is nothing we can do, even with the support and green light of all involved,’’ Maritz said.
He is having a chat with Sables coach, Brendan Dawson today to discuss the available possibilities, with a call to be made by Friday.
According to Maritz, World Rugby and Rugby Netherlands have undertaken to provide the financial resources for the tour to go ahead.
“I have a scheduled call with coach Dawson tomorrow to discuss our alternative options. We are still hopeful, but must make a call by 21st as planning and preparations need to start taking place. Both World Rugby and Netherlands have offered assistance should the tour happen,’’ said Maritz.
Netherlands are ranked 25 in the World Rugby rankings while Zimbabwe are 10 places down. With this year’s SuperSport Rugby Challenge where Zimbabwe appeared for the first time in 2019 cancelled and the Rugby Africa season voided due to Covid-19, the Netherlands tour, if it goes ahead would be the only piece of action for the Sables in 2020. — @Mdawini_29
Online Reporter