The Sunday Mail
Deputy Sports Editor
Euphoria has gripped local rugby after the resumption of sporting activities following a lengthy hiatus.
There are already indications a Sevens tournament is being lined up for next month.
Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU) are understood to have submitted their application to the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) for the tourney, which is set to run concurrently in the Northern and Southern regions.
This is meant primarily to reduce inter-city travel and ensure that Covid-19 protocols are followed.
The Northern Region leg of the competition will include teams from Mutare, Harare and Chitungwiza, while those from Bulawayo and the Midlands will make up the Southern zone.
Most of the clubs in the Northern Region have reportedly led the way in getting their players and staff vaccinated, and are already back in training.
The general feeling is that everybody is eager to get back onto the park, as the long absence looks to have taken its toll.
“It has been catastrophic for our players,” said Old Georgians’ general manager Bruce Hobson.
“A number of our players lost many opportunities because we couldn’t play.
“The huge success of the Harare province Under-20 league in early 2020 was never allowed to gain traction as a result of the lockdown.
“A number of clubs, OGs included, are likely going to lose a number of schoolboy and Under-20 players,” he said.
Harare Sports Club chairperson Tinashe Shamu agrees.
“The cost has been pretty steep,” he said.
“We have tried our best to maintain our facilities, tried investing in the field and these things have been our biggest cost as a club.
“Maintaining and watering our grounds even though we knew that there is no rugby going on has been hard.
“Rugby coming back now is very good news.
“Obviously, rugby was being played around the world, but we haven’t been able to play. “The gap is even bigger for us, and it is up to us to put in the work and ensure that we make up for lost time.”
Both Harare Sports Club and OGs have spoken with a united voice on vaccinations.
“It remains to be seen whether there will be total compliance from the players as it pertains to vaccinations, but, at the very least, they will have to get tested as per SRC directives,” said Hobson.
Shamu was a bit more optimistic.
“We have generally had a good response from the guys that have come in for training.
“The numbers are growing by the day and the guys are getting their shots.
“They have either had both doses or at least the first dose.
“We have encouraged everyone to get vaccinated, whether it be the senior men and women or the technical staff.
“Our players are cognisant of the need to get vaccinated, and they are doing so. . .
“Some bodies have been idle; others active, and so we started off our training proper with a little cardio and strength and conditioning.
“With time, we shall start introducing the ball to them, work up our fitness levels and start getting more focussed on Sevens.”
As far as the upcoming tournament is concerned, both clubs have already begun preparations.
“Players are very enthusiastic about this development,” added Hobson.
“We have begun training and I am sure we will be prepared.
“We have a strong young base of players, supported by some of the old guard, and we strive to maintain a positive dynamic which enhances everyone’s choices to play the game we love.”
