The ManicaPost
Blessing Gondokondo Sports Correspondent
THE Manicaland Rugby Board has included two uniformed forces rugby teams in its association as part of its first stage towards implementing strategies on its five-year plan.
Chingadzi Rugby Club and Mutare Rugby Club, formed by members of the police force, have joined the Manicaland rugby family.
Following the new rules of the rebranded National Youth Games 2017 where members of the uniformed forces and community based teams are now allowed to participate in the Games starting this year, Mutare police have come up with their Under-23 rugby teams.
These teams are expected to participate in the yet-to- start Mutare Rugby League where different senior rugby teams will be competing for the top spot in Manicaland rugby.
MRB chairman, Josiah Borerwe, in an interview said, he welcomed the two uniformed forces teams in the rugby family as it was their first step to develop rugby following their five-year plan which was presented in last month’s indaba.
“As we have noticed earlier, in Harare there are police rugby teams which are very competitive. As an association, we have embraced two uniformed forces teams which will be joining us in different local tournaments and leagues,” said Borerwe.
He added: “Our mission is to provide an effective and sustainable rugby environment that allows for the growth of rugby in all areas of supporting, playing, educating, coaching, officiating, administration and corporate partnership. We are fully behind every rugby team that wishes to be part of Manicaland rugby.”
Manicaland Rugby Board said it was fully behind all primary and secondary schools where they preached the gospel of rugby by continuing to support their games and providing assistance in training school teachers to become qualified coaches and as well as the students.
“We (MRB) are working closely working with NASH and NAPH, together with the corporate world in our efforts to make rugby in Manicaland remain active and functional. We are also working hand in glove with foreign-based players who used to play for the local team, Mutare Sports Club, in sharing professional skills of rugby in efforts to regain our strength as we are preparing for the National Harare Rugby League,” added Borerwe.
