The Sunday News
Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter
IN an effort to galvanise support for the country’s fifteens rugby team, a Sables Rugby Network, whose ultimate aim is to support efforts to qualify for the 2023 Rugby World Cup is being rolled into action.
Jason Maritz, the South Africa-based Sables team manager said the trials and tribulations of the Sables over the years have been well documented and left many Zimbabwean rugby fans heartbroken. One of those moments was when the Sables were just one try away from qualifying for the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England. They defeated Kenya 28-10 but chose to go for a kick at posts instead of pushing for a bonus point try that would have sent them directly to England. Namibia went on to thrash Madagascar 89-10, sealed qualification while Zimbabwe finished second, went on to lose to Russia in an inter federation playoff.
Sables team manager Jason Maritz kissing the Victoria Cup
Last year, the Sables took part in the SuperSport Rugby Challenge in South Africa for the first time. While they failed to record a win, they were able to build on that much needed game time to win the Victoria Cup, a four-nation competition where Zimbabwe met Kenya, Zambia and Uganda. The Sables suffered just one defeat away to Kenya.
A number of fixtures were lined up for 2020 but the year might end with the Sables not playing any rugby due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Maritz is making use of the time the Sables are not taking to the field in trying to engage as many stakeholders and raise funds for the team.
“Understanding that the world has changed slightly and having access to people from all over the world that have digital presence we birthed the idea of the “Sables Rugby Network”. What is the Sables Rugby Network? It’s an independent brand that plans to capture the hearts of Zimbabweans and their love for home and rugby.
“It’s a network that gives our supporters access to the Sables, behind the scenes scoop, video content, supporters gear, in depth conversations with coaches and a well-documented journey as we build up to the pinnacle of the sport, that is qualifying for the World Cup,” Maritz said.
He sees that as a chance for Zimbabweans to get involved with the Sables and show their support by being part of the team’s journey.
Maritz is working with the Sables lineout coach, Graham Knoop who is also domiciled in Mzansi in putting together the Sables Rugby Network, which already has an active website. An auction will take place on 5 November to raise funds for the Sables Trust. All expenses weekends away, private chef dinners and memorabilia are some of the items already confirmed for the auction. Maritz indicated they are open to more donations of prizes to make sure event is a success.
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