Massive boost for Sables
THE Sables, who were scheduled to leave the country yesterday for the Africa Gold Cup Group A1 clash against Namibia, got a huge boost when the Sable Trust to support their adventure was launched.
The Trust will come as a huge relief for the Zimbabwe Rugby Union, the Sables and their technical team who have been struggling to cover the costs of the tournament, including allowances for the players and airfares.
The Sable Trust has three cooperates who are targeting qualifying for the 2019 World Cup through winning the Africa Gold Cup and have injected $100 000 until 2019.
Major contributors include Titan Law Chambers, Portnex International and Zeuttew Resources who have chipped in to support the team through airfares, accommodation and allowances during the qualifying games.
Speaking at the official launch, Titan Law Chambers representative Vengai Madzima said the Sable Trust was already supporting the Sables and had paid for all the air tickets and other transport costs for players called for national duty from around the world.
“We will also assist with accommodation and food as well as pay the players match and camp allowances related to the Africa Gold Cup.
“Zimbabwe needs to stay in its group this year and win the group next year and if it achieves that it will automatically qualify for the World Cup,” said Madzima. The Sables brand has been glowing of late.
“Many sponsors and donors have indicated their willingness to support the Sables cause and as Trustees we thank ZRU for authorising us to embark on this noble initiative.
“We were tired of seeing local professional rugby players representing other countries,” said Madzima.
Coach Cyprian “Super” Mandenge says the coming on board of Titan Law Chambers, Portnex International and Zeuttew Resources to form the Sable Trust was a huge development for the Sables.
“I thank all those who have come on board to have this trust which I know will go a long way in helping the nation,’’ said the coach.
Team
Denford Mutamangira (Harare Sports Club), Lawrence Clemison (Naka Bulle), Irvine Nduwa (Mat Warriors), Makanda David, Tolerence Zishe, Graham Cochrane (Old Georgians), Brian Nyaude (Neckarsulm Rugby), Jacques Leitao(Old Georgians), Fortunate Chipendu (Old Georgians), Takudzwa Mandiwanza (Old Hararians),, Connor Pritchard (Grifith University), Andrew Rose (Chicago Lions), Njaabulo Ndlovu (UWC RC), Hilton Mudariki (Unirvesity on Pretoria), Tichafara Makwanya (Old Hararians), Stephan Handuza (Old Georgians), Capsopoulos Daniel (Old Georgians), Tendai Nyawata (UKZN Impi), Ngoni Chibuwe (Durban Collegians), Takudzwa Kumadiro (Harare Sports Club), Tarisai Mugariri (Mat Warriors), Tadius Dzandiwandira (Cape Town).