THE Zimbabwe Sables Committee yesterday paid tribute to various corporate sponsors for their support towards the team’s participation at the Tri-Nations tournament in Namibia and the Emirates Airline Cup of Nations XVs rugby tournament in Dubai recently. REPORT BY DANIEL NHAKANISO SPORTS REPORTER
In an interview with NewsDay Sport yesterday, the committee’s chairman Bongai Zamchiya said without the support of these sponsors the flagship national rugby side would not have been able to compete on the international stage.
“We would like to extend our special thanks to the corporate world for their support in ensuring that we raise the standard of our game by playing against higher ranked teams.
“Companies like Delta Beverages, Marange Resources, Blue Bay Milling, Toyota Zimbabwe and also individuals from within the Sables Committee supported us in making it possible for us to fulfil our international assignments.
“Without their support it would not have been possible for our team to compete against highest ranked opponents.
“Their support has also come at a time when we need to improve our game so that we qualify for the 2015 Rugby World Cup,” said Zamchiya.
Zamchiya, whose committee is mandated by the Zimbabwe Rugby Union to run the affairs of the Sables team, said they were aiming to continue playing against stronger opponents in 2013.
“Obviously our main target for next year is to continue playing against tougher opponents and ensure that we defend the Africa Cup title and remain in the running for a place at the World Cup.
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“We are also discussing with former Zimbabwe Olympic sprinter Brian Dzingai and a local company on a strength, fitness and conditioning programme for our players.
“Player welfare will be one of our major priorities,” Zamchiya added.
The Sables enjoyed a successful season this year in which the highlight was being crowned the Africa Cup champions after winning the Car Africa Cup Group 1A tournament in Tunisia in July.
However, they struggled against higher ranked opponents, narrowly losing to Namibia, Spain, Hong Kong and Belgium before finishing the year with a convincing win over minnows United Arab Emirates.
