The Zimbabwean
28 August 2013
Former national team rugby player Likang Ndlovu has challenged the new government to revive the waning standards of the game in the country.
“Whoever will be appointed Minister of Sports should cast his net wider and turn around the fortunes of our rugby, which is now almost dead,†said Ndlovu earlier this week.
“I recently moved around the country and was shocked to note that very few people are keen on developing the sport. Good players are giving up as they see a bleak future in the sport. David Coltart had given us hope during his days as the minister in charge of sport, but unfortunately, he might not be in the new government and that could signal the total demise of our sport.â€
Ndlovu also bemoaned lack of proper training facilities and corrupt officials. “Government needs to invest in developing proper training grounds because these are none-existent in most part of the country right now. Excellent training facilities can lure youngsters to join the sport.
“Officials are also to blame because most of the money allocated to various sporting departments don’t reach those areas and we need to work hard in exposing such practices,†he said.
In the past few years, Ndlovu has been involved in mentoring and directing young talent at Inner City Rugby Development team, a South African rugby development institute for young people in Johannesburg.
A former Zimbabwe national team player, he holds a rugby national coaching certificate and has coached Highlanders Juniors in Bulawayo, Botswana Sharks Senior team, Botswana Tuskers Senior outfit and SA’s Sandton Rugby Youth.