The Sunday News
Sisa Sihwa
Platinum Warriors fullback Emmanuel Mazikana was crowned Player of the Tournament at the annual Bulawayo Metropolitan Rugby Football Board Sevens Championships recently held at Hartsfield Ground.
Defending champions Platinum Warriors defeated Highlanders 21-10 in the final to successfully maintain their dominance in the province. Old Miltonians came third in the championships after edging 22-0 Bulldogs in the Plate final. The tournament was sponsored by Amatec Zimbabwe.
The 22-year-old Mazikana started playing rugby at the early age of 13 at Milton High School and joined Warriors in 2015 from Highlanders.
Mazikana said he felt honoured to be selected as the best player during the tourney.
“I feel very proud and honoured to win this award, I never expected it and I never thought I would be chosen as the best player. What is left for me is to work even harder so I can be selected into the national team,’’ he said.
The rising star said he is now focused on taking his career to another level.
“I am now focused on taking my career to a higher level and my hope is to play in one of the top rugby leagues anywhere in the world,’’ he said.
Meanwhile, BMRFB chairman Thulani Tabulawa urged Bulawayo rugby players to aim higher.
“The talent is visible and I expect more from these players to make it to the National Sevens Champions. They should aim higher than being the top in the province so they are selected to play for the national side,’’ Tabulawa said.
