Sables launch rugby auction

THEIR entire 2020 season may have been bowled out by the Covid-19 pandemic, but the Zimbabwe senior rugby team has remained active off the field of play with the Sables turning to the business aspect of the game.

The Sables recently launched their auction during which they will be interacting with their supporters, sponsors and other stakeholders as they market their merchandise and different rugby memorabilia in a business initiative aimed at widening their revenue streams.

Although rugby was early this month given the nod to resume by the Government following eight months of lockdown, there will be no immediate return to action for the Sables as some of their prospective opponents are still bogged down by travel restrictions in their respective countries or have been left financially hamstrung by the effect that

Covid-19 has had on global sport and economies at large.

Sables Manager Jason Maritz said although they had been left without any international assignments for the remainder of the year, they are strengthening their brand off the field.

“We have also launched an Auction and Raffle Page which will go a long way in raising some funds. We have an all-inclusive weekend away to Dave Pocock memorabilia etc,’’ Maritz told Business Weekly from his South African base.

“We also plan to host a gala dinner for our sponsors in the next couple of months and invite more corporates to buy into our vision and help us qualify for the (2023) World Cup.

“The growth in our squad and players is going to come down to more quality game time. . .which is what we are going to keep pushing for,’’ Maritz said.

They have launched a live online auction which “aims to raise funds for the Sables Rugby Trust.

“The fund raiser will not only provide the Sables with some much needed financial support as the team continues to prepare for World Cup qualifiers but it will also provide an opportunity for the Sables to leave their own legacy…”

All potential bidders will be required to register for the auction before placing their bids.

There will also be raffle draws for those who buy tickets online from across the world.

The Sables Trust has just partnered globally-acclaimed auditing firm AMG Global to oversee the draws and manage all the finances raised.

The move has since been greenlighted by the Sports and Recreation Commission as well as the Zimbabwe Rugby Union.

Several programs lined up for this year have been swept away by the novel coronavirus pandemic and

Maritz said the team is engaging some countries for post Covid-19 action.

“In terms of plans post Covid-19, we had discussions with Netherlands for a tour and had discussions with Kenya, Namibia, Uganda and Zam

bia to participate in a tournament in Cape Town but unfortunately all the teams pulled out citing player welfare and financial issues.

“So 2020 season is a complete loss for us with a lot of international teams in the same boat. We obviously

now await the 2021 calendar and hope to confirm our participation in the Currie cup, African Cup and possibly Victoria Cup.

“Unfortunately with so much uncertainty it’s very difficult to plan too far ahead.

“Off the field we have developed our Sables brand with the launch of the Sables rugby network which will bring content to our supporters and keep them in the loop. . .it’s also going to be a great platform for our sponsors to get mileage,’’ said Maritz.