Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira , Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE Tug-of-War Association (ZITOWA) president Njabulo Khumalo has announced plans to take the sport to schools to ensure growth.
The move, aimed at nurturing talent from an early age, is expected to kick off this year, with Khumalo optimistic about receiving support from the education sector.
“The popularity of the sport is growing and now we have to shift focus to develope young talent,” said Khumalo.
He spoke on the need for early exposure to the sport, citing that structured development through schools would not only create a pipeline of skilled athletes but also raise the sport’s profile in communities.
Khumalo believes that embedding tug of war into school sporting calendars will also instill values such as teamwork, discipline and resilience.
“It’s not just about pulling a rope, it’s about building character and unity. With the right support, we can establish a strong foundation that will benefit the sport and the youth alike,” said Khumalo.
The initiative is also aimed at transforming Zimbabwe into a continental powerhouse in the coming years.
“If we start at grassroots and maintain consistency, there’s no reason why Zimbabwe can’t dominate future African Championships.
“We already have the potential we just need to invest in it,” he said.
This push comes after Zimbabwe successfully hosted the 2024 African Championship in Victoria Falls, attracting teams from Ghana, South Africa, Zambia and other regional powerhouses.
Buoyed by the success of the event, plans are already underway for an even bigger 2025 edition, expected to draw more teams and help push Zimbabwe into the spotlight.
Meanwhile, Bulawayo’s Transmission West stamped their authority in the men’s division of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Ingwebu-Tug-of-War National Championships with a decisive 2-0 win over Zesa Holdings.
After cruising past Bulawayo Metro in the semi-finals, the champions made quick work of Zesa in the final, finishing the match in just a few minutes.
Defending champions Mutare Board and Paper Mills bowed out at the semi final stage, losing 2-0 to Zesa Holdings.
In the women’s division, reigning champions Glow A retained their crown after defeating Glow B 2-0 in a spirited final.
Glow A had earlier knocked out Ingwebu while Glow B edged BCC to set up the all-Glow final.
