Unforgettable Sevens series to illuminate Hartsfield

THE stage is set for yet another thrilling edition of the Unforgettable Sevens Series scheduled for Hartsfield Rugby Grounds on Saturday.

This year’s edition will feature different schools and clubs, competing in different categories. Eight teams will compete in the Under-16 and Under-18 age groups, while the senior men’s category will also feature eight teams, including Zvishavane Bulls, Kwekwe and Gweru.

The organisers have merged it with the Loui Corbi Under-13 festival finals featuring teams from around Zimbabwe. Tournament director, Busani Ncube, said they are looking forward to an enthralling day of good rugby on Saturday. He said the tournament plays a huge role in promoting the game’s development in Bulawayo and beyond.

“This can be used for talent identification and nurturing players to play at a higher level competition experience for all teams, grassroots engagement encouraging more participation for schools, women and girls’ participation, promoting gender equality in sport, skills development to help build competitive structures, which will help with long term development.

“The tournament also seeks to build a positive community and school rugby spirit, hoping it attracts more teams for next year, sponsorship and funding opportunities.

“Organising tournaments for schools, clubs and girls is crucial for nurturing and developing rugby in Bulawayo. These events not only enhance players’ skills and competition levels but also help build a vibrant rugby community that can sustain growth for years to come,” he said.

Ncube said they are also looking at promoting rugby values and network opportunities as well as connecting clubs and schools.

“By setting these expectations, I expect the development tournament can catalyse growth in rugby in schools and clubs while promoting inclusivity and the enjoyment of the sport for all participants, specifically highlighting girls’ involvement in rugby,” he said.

The tournament is in partnership with Unforgettable, represented by the legendary former Cheetahs player and head coach Gilbert “Gidza” Nyamutsamba, who said their main focus is development.

Nyamutsamba said proceeds from this year’s event will support grassroots structures and resuscitate the main field at the traditional home of rugby.

“Our main focus this year is development and reviving our ground. All the proceeds from here are going towards development and reviving the A field. We are looking at getting topsoil and lawn for the field,” said Nyamutsamba.

“We are looking forward to hosting a successful tournament with good quality rugby on display. This will go a long way in promoting the development of the game in the province. We are expecting a good day of rugby, so we are calling on all rugby fans and sports followers in general to come to Hartsfield and witness the best of the best battling it out.

“It is going to be fireworks and at the end of the day, rugby will be the winner,” said Nyamutsamba.

Schools from Harare, Plumtree, Shurugwi, Gweru, Matabeleland North and Bulawayo will take part in the Lui Corbi Festival.

There will also be nine girls’ schools in the Lui Corbi Festival as part of a programme called Safe and Positive Coaching Pathway for Girls in Sport supported by Tafisa International and the Sports and Recreation Commission. —@brandon_malvin