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Mbachi Mutukula-Maregere Sports Reporter
HARARE Sports Club rock David Makamba says getting honoured at this year’s Lion Lager National Rugby League Awards ceremony on Saturday was a dream come true. Makamba was named Rookie of the Year at a glittering ceremony in the capital.“I have always loved and enjoyed playing rugby, I started playing for Sports Club last year and it is really good to be part of Sportivo, winning an award feels like a dream although I knew I was working hard towards becoming the best rock for both my club and Zimbabwe.
“The season was good and I am hoping that next year it will even be better for me,” said Makamba.
Although Sports Club did not retain their title as club champions, with bitter rivals Old Hararians coming out tops, they produced a number of winners when it came to honouring those who have excelled this season.
Sportivo’s Teddy “Boxer” Hwata scooped winning three awards.
He was named the Player of the Year, Backline Player of the Year and also took home the Top Points Scorer award.
Stephen Hunduza, another player from Sports Club, was the Top Try Scorer while his teammate Daniel Hondo scooped the Most Disciplined Player of the Year award.
Sport, Arts and Culture Deputy Minister, Tabetha Kanengoni-Malinga, was the guest of honour at the ceremony.
Kanengoni-Malinga said there should be an investment in the different branches of sport in the country.
“There should be an increase of investment in the development of sport products that are significant to the national social foundation and economy of the country,” said Kanengoni-Malinga.
“Sport tourism, sport clothing and attire, sports academies, equipment, events marketing and the related downstream sport industry activities have to be valorised.”
National Rugby League chairman, Nody Kanyangarara, said the 2013 season was a success but the loss of two players would always cast a shadow.
“Hardlife Majaha and Slimfield Moyo’s death was very painful to us, they were both involved in car accidents and it was a huge lose for the teams and families.
“Despite all the challenges and tragedies that faced the NRL, it remains the biggest and most successful rugby playing entity in Zimbabwe.
“Because of the success of the NRL, a lot of clubs have been revived and they all dream of playing in the top-flight at some stage. Areas that never had rugby before or where rugby had died have started playing rugby or revived their romance with the game,” said Kanyangarara.
Awards
Player of the Year-Teddy Hwata.
Coach of the Year – Cyprian Mandenge.
Rookie of the Year – David Makamba.
Most Disciplined Player- Daniel Hondo.
Backline Player of the Year – Teddy Hwata.
Forward Player of the Year – Lucky Sithole.
Top points Scorer – Teddy Hwata.
Top Try Scorer – Stephen Hunduza.
Referee of the Year – Simba Danga.
Online Reporter