The Sunday Mail
Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE Women’s rugby have once again made a bold statement about being the future of the national game after the Under-18 side dominated in South Africa.
They won all their games to top the rankings, and finish second overall, at the tournament in South Africa.
Women rugby teams have been performing well and Zimbabwe Rugby Union president Aaron Jani acknowledged this, indicating that more resources would be channeled to them once sponsorship deals have been reviewed.
In South Africa coach Sykes Sibanda’s girls showed character against tough opposition, beating Kwazulu-Natal (26-12), drawing five-all with the Blue Bulls and finishing off their tournament run with a 31-10 win over the Western Province.
Coached by Nsikelelo Sibanda, the Old Mutual Zimbabwe girls were placed second overall in the tournament after Western Province, with the Blue Bulls, SWD and Eastern Province making up the top five teams.
Sharks, Border, Limpopo Blue Bulls, Griffons and Boland wrapped up the top ten respectively.
On the opposite end of the table was the trio of Free State, Pumas and Leopards anchoring the rankings.
Coach Sibanda could not be reached for a comment. However, the seasoned gaffer is expected to take charge of the Zimbabwe Under-20 side who face their South African counterparts in a two-match bilateral series at Prince Edward School on Wednesday and Saturday this week.
This will be the first time that a South African ladies 15s side will be touring Zimbabwe at Under-20 level.
The conception of having a bilateral sporting arrangement is an attribute to consistent competitive performances by Zimbabwe’s Under-18 girl’s teams at the South Africa Youth Weeks for the past four years.
