Sables A Side Inspires Young Players in Gweru
By Delicious Mathuthu
Gweru – The Zimbabwe A national rugby team made a stopover at Chaplin High School in Gweru yesterday (13/09/24) on their way to Bulawayo , hosting a training clinic and meet-and-greet session with young players.
The team, led by captain Hilton Mudariki, also presented the Rugby Africa Cup Trophy and engaged in the brief coaching clinic with Chapling High pupils, teaching basic drills and skills.
The Sables are the reigning Men’s Rugby Africa Cup champions after beating Algeria in the Kampala, Uganda finals in July this year.
Mudariki expressed gratitude to the pupils for their time at the training clinic and emphasized the significance of the trophies won in Uganda, saying they are for everyone.
“Thank you so much for your time, for coming out and giving us the opportunity to show you guys what we do, the little bit of things that we do.
“The trophies that we bought are not just for ourselves, they are for you. When we were there, we were representing not just the team, the Sables, but the whole country, and you guys are a part of that. So these trophies that we brought, they are for you guys as well,” he said.
He also thanked those who were in attendance for their support, and said he hopes the Sables will continue making the nation proud and inspire young players into the national team.
To the girls who attended, he said: “Even to the girls who are here we hope to inspire you to play for the Sables ladies as well,” he said.
Midlands Rugby Board Chair, Zwelonke Mloyiswa praised the Sables initiative.
“The Sables did well, it’s a first for Gweru and very motivational for the upcoming kids. We are trying to develop rugby from the grassroots whilst they are also trying to spread the game to the communities and decentralizing sports that look elite,” he said.
Mloyiswa highlighted the deliberate choice of Chaplin High School for the clinic.
“Rugby can be played on any type of surface… I think it’s important to encourage kids to get to play rugby, if you look at the team Manager, SK Muchenje, she is a Lawyer, a woman, and also coaches women’s rugby, something very motivational to the girl child,” he said.
The team’s visit aimed to inspire young players and promote rugby development in the region, ahead of their clash against Bulawayo Province at Hartsfield Rugby Grounds today.
Sables coach, Piet Benade, was also part of the team; local rugby coaches and teachers were also present.
The touring Zimbabwe A Team consists of: Zvikomborero Chimoto (Prop), Tawanda Banda (Hooker), Bornwell Gwinji (Prop), David Makamba (Lock), Brian Nyaude (Lock), Tadiwa Gwashu (Openside Flank),Vuyani Dhlomo (Blindside Flank), Aiden Burnette (8th Man and Vice Captain), Nigel Tinarwo (Scrumhalf), Lenience Tambwera (Flyhalf and Vice Captain), Darell Makwasha (Wing), Kudzai Mashawi (Center and Captain), Dion Khumalo (Center), Trevor Gurwe (Wing), Tadius Hwata (Fullback).
Reserves:
Edwin Nxumalo, Benoni Nekairo, Gamuchirai Nekati, Carlos Matemai, Tonderai Chiwambutsa, Nyasha Shiripinda, Takunda Kundishora, Brian Makamure, Wayne Kunaka and Vuyiswa Mpofu.
