Zim u18 girls fly flag high
Columnist / Writer: Benedict Chanakira
The Zimbabwean sides have managed to do well at the Coca-Cola Weeks in South Africa. The under 13’s will be disappointed in their campaign but will look towards the future with anticipation. The change in management at that level will have contributed with experienced Bryan Rademeyer leaving the helm on a high after last season’s impressive exploits. The brave fight against Namibia leaves hope that the clean sweep target for next season looks possible.
The Under 16’s managed two wins from three as did the Under 18 girls who grabbed the headlines for me. They are the highlight of the Zimbabwe junior sides this season despite any of the achievements that may be attained by the Zimbabwe under 18’s at Craven Week this week.
So many times we highlight the vast number of negatives and failures in Zimbabwe rugby. I managed to talk to Abigail Mnikwa. She did not managed to play for the national side, however she did play a bit of touch rugby socially. Mnikwa managed to direct her passion for the game through various roles including being a physiotherapist. In 2006 she was privileged to be part of the Zimbabwe u19 squad. She was their physiotherapist from 2007 for the next two years before she managed to move into the administration sector for the Harare Province and the National Rugby League (Zimbabwe’s domestic league) committees. By 2013 she had added to her portfolio being a committee member in the Women’s rugby committee (joined in 2011) and now as a Chairperson since 2013. Her term expires at the end of the year. She is tirelessly working hard to grow the game of rugby especially the female aspect.
“The team managed to arrive a few hours before the first game against Eastern Province. The girls were excited and looking forward to being the first age group national side in the woman’s game. They managed to win the game and it helped the morale of the girls,” she said. Zimbabwe came a commendable third out of sixteen in the tournament. She beams at how far they have come considering the game only began in 2011 at school level for the females.
Mnikwa cites the long term vision of the females games as building structures that will allow the females to be in a competitive position internationally. While the men’s game seems to also be battling locally with a dysfunctional league, she believes this is all possible.
“Firstly, our women must be respected in the same manner as the men. We hope to source resources, support in a financial aspect and man power. We will also look to keep the girls playing the game beyond school level to ensure development and continuity.” It is true, few of the fans have managed to realise the female side of the game recently and some fans were left surprised the girls team did so well at the SARU U18 tournament.
“Respect. We just don’t get that. I get the sense some believe this game is only for men. This is a game that is for all both male and female,” Abigail passionately said. Nonsekelelo ‘Sykes’ Sibanda who is an experienced coach in the country having worked with the men’s u20 side and currently with the Sables has been coaching the girls. He has managed to improve their skills and the results are there for all to see.
Abigail also goes at length to credit namesake and pioneer of the female game; Abigail Kawonza. “She has done a stellar job as the team managed to be part of a historic moment in Zimbabwe rugby. Kawonza is a referee educator and the highest qualified female coach in the Zimbabwean game. Zimbabwe’s under 18 girls also received an award for being the most disciplined side and for also playing some mouth watering rugby. Credit must go to the South African Rugby Union for managing to invite their neighbours but also to the Zimbabwe Rugby Union for playing its part in the growth of the female game. Baby steps in the right direction and to the girls? You made, not just the women proud but also your country!
Eastern Province 07-12 Zimbabwe
Border 26-00 Zimbabwe
SWD 00-19 Zimbabwe
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