ZIMBABWE Rugby Union (ZRU) vice-president Losson Mtongwiza believes the domestic game is headed for a new era of professionalism following the unveiling of sponsorship deals for the Sables from several local and international companies in Harare on Thursday.
BY DANIEL NHAKANISO
Mtongwiza’s sentiments come after local mining giant Zerttew Resources were unveiled as the major sponsors of the flagship national rugby side, Sables, in a landmark deal worth $1 million.
The international mining investment company, founded and headquartered in Zimbabwe with offices in Johannesburg South Africa, and Luxembourg, will take responsibility of Sables coach Peter de Villiers’ wages and upkeep as well as the players’ welfare.
Portnex International, a South African commodities and energy trading company, and Zimbabwean attorney firm Titan Law, Zimoco and Croco Motors are the other sponsors while the Sables will be dressed by leading international sportswear manufacturer, Canterbury.
“Zimbabwe rugby is headed for wonderful times. we certainly think the direction we are taking is the best we’ve ever taken and we hope it will lead to ultimately qualifying for the Rugby World Cup,” Mtongwiza said.
“We want to change the face of rugby not just for this year but for generations to come. This is why I spoke about the future and what rugby will look like in 10 years’ time or three years after the World Cup”.
Mtongwiza said he was confident Zimbabwe would begin to attract several players with Zimbabwean roots plying their trade abroad as they look to build a formidable squad for this year’s crucial Africa Gold Cup, which also serves as a qualifier for the 2019 World Cup in Japan.
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The Sables are seeking to end a 27-year wait to return to the World Cup stage and will begin their campaign with a home clash against Morocco in June.
“With the kind of support we have witnessed tonight, we should be able to get there. Clearly the sponsors and the supporters want to see those big names back at home turning out for their favourite team, the Sables, and we will leave no stone unturned to ensure that those big names eventually come down and play for us,” he said.
Prominent lawyer Gerald Mlotshwa, who chairs the Sables Trust, a special body constituted to secure sponsorship support for the team, said: “The Sables trust is essentially a special business unit for the Zimbabwe Sables. We are here to mobilise funds for our national side, to professionalise the national side and to help the Zimbabwe Rugby Union run its affairs on a professional, transparent basis.
“Plans are also underway to refurbish Hartsfield Rugby Ground, which is currently in a sorry state.
“A special purpose vehicle is going to be put together and take over the running of Hartsfield. What we are going to do as Titan Law is to molbilise money for the project. The renovations will be spearheaded by the Zimbabwe Rugby Union, the Matabeland Rugby Football Board and the Sables Trust. Already, half a million has been commited to fix the ground,” he said.
