Harare-based Trinity Christian Junior School are basking in the success of their rugby team which scooped gold in the invitational tournament which was held at the Olympic Youth Development Center (OYDC) in Lusaka last week.
The rugby team also known as the Trinity Raptors were invited to the tournament was held under the auspices of the Zambia Olympic Youth Development and the Zambia Rugby Union ran from May 28 to May 31.
It brought together some of the best budding rugby talent in Zambia comprising from Under-13 to Under-16 categories.
Trinity Christian Junior School rugby team will competed in the under -14 class and it was the first time that the relatively new school is embarking on an international rugby tour.
Team coach Masimba Dzangare was delighted with the successful inaugural tour to Zambia.
"I feel proud and at the same time grateful for such an experience. I am also proud of how the team responded to all the tactics and training we had. They showed a willingness to continue learning and improving. They showed the hunger and determination to win," he told this publication.
"The trip was an eye opener for all us even though we faced some challenges here and there, but as our first time traveling there with this group it was good overall. We learnt a lot and also got to experience a different style of play from that side. We shared ideas from our counterparts in Zambia.
"Most important achievements mean a lot for Trinity Christian Junior School. It puts us on the map as we move towards the vision of the school, not only to capture these kids academically but also develop their talents and skills in terms of sports," he added.
While in Zambia the team had to under go coaching clinic from some of the best coaches in that country before deliving into the competition.
They competed against teams such as OYDC academy and Buffaloes Rugby academy on their way to the top.
Dzangare was full of praise for the young players flew the country's flag with distinction.
"The whole team played exceptionally well but i should mention Tomuda Muzire, Rodwell Chipengo, Moses Dube (the captain for our tour), Takunda Nyanhete, and our youngest player (a scrum half) Malike Stanley .
"He (Stanley) shocked everyone with his performance and as the coach I always aim to get two or three infants in the team each year. Dean Mhendami who’s the captain of the second team is only in Grade 3 now but is exceptionally talented," he said.
OYDC Zambia expressed delight hosting Trinity Raptors
"OYDC Zambia Sports Development Centre is proud to have hosted Trinity Raptors from Zimbabwe as part of a sports exchange program aimed at fostering regional development, friendship, and skills sharing among young athletes.
"As part of the program, the OYDC U-14 Rugby Team played a spirited friendly match against the visiting Trinity Raptors, showcasing youthful energy, sportsmanship, and the growing talent of rugby in the region.
"The exchange serves not only as a platform for competition but also as an opportunity for cultural interaction and personal development for the young players. It reflects OYDC Zambia's ongoing commitment to youth sports development and international collaboration.
"We look forward to more engagements that build lasting ties and strengthen the future of rugby across Southern Africa," they write on their Facebook page.
