Coltart applauds Sables resurgence

July 5, 2011

Newsday

By Enock Muchinjo, Sports Editor

5 July 2011

Sports Minister David Coltart has attributed the Zimbabwe rugby team’s continuing revival to the slightly improved economic conditions in the country.

The Sables recorded their fourth win on the trot this season with a workmanlike 49-21 victory over Uganda at Hartsfield Rugby Stadium in Bulawayo on Saturday.

“Well, we are seeing a resurgence in rugby and this is probably tied to the increasing stability in the economy, and ability to retain players,” said Coltart, who was the guest of honour at the match.

“Prior to the unity government, school-leavers left the country. We are starting to see players who have just left school being proud to play for the Sables. Yesterday (Saturday) we had players from the Under-20 side in the Sables team. As you know, we are much stronger at schools and Under-20 level, so having these players in the system helps a lot. It’s refreshing to see youngsters staying in the country and representing the country.”

Four Young Sables who played in last month’s IRB World Junior Trophy in Georgia – star scrumhalf Charles Jiji, hooker Tatenda Karuru and utility back Tommy Nelson – featured for the senior Sables on Saturday while wing Kuda Chiwanza was in the squad.

Other recent youth graduates like prop Brian Makamure, centre Dylan Bradshaw and wing Shayne Makombe have also won Sables caps this year.

“No doubt, rugby in on the resurgence,” added Coltart. “If we continue to retain a high proportion of players, we will continue to do well.”

Coltart said the Sables should now build from strength to strength.

“When I took over, I said to the ZRU our goal should be to play Super Rugby. There is no reason why we can’t reach the standards of the Sharks and the Blue Bulls. We do have the numbers and the quality,” he said.

“But of course, two things will prevent us from doing so; retaining players and professionalising the sport. We need to professionalise to keep players in the system. In the short-term, the goal should be to get into one of the lesser leagues in South Africa like the Vodacom Cup, and then progress to the Currie Cup and ultimately Super Rugby. And then after that, we must look to play the lesser IRB nations like Japan, Georgia and Russia and then progress to the likes of Argentina, Italy and Ireland.”