By MOSES CHIMFWEMBE –
THE Zambia Schools Rugby Association (ZSRA) has welcomed Zambia Rugby Union (ZRU) vice-president John Chibuye’s pledge to sponsor the youth tournaments during the 2015 calendar.
ZSRA chairperson Philip Dongo said in an interview yesterday that the support towards the development of youth rugby in the country was timely as it was an area that needed more attention.
Dongo, who is also under-19 national team coach, appealed to the new ZRU executive committee to commit more resources to the grassroots.
“It’s a welcome development because we are the people who produce players for the league and we know that inadequate financial support to the youth rugby has been a challenge but with such commitments coming forth, we have to do our best in the junior ranks.
We also need clubs to assist us in terms of setting up structures in schools so that the sport is managed properly at that level,” Dongo said.
Dongo said the future of rugby in Zambia was bright and expressed confidence in the Clement Sinkamba led executive committee to deliver positive results.
“Having worked with Sinkamba before, I know the man will overturning the challenge of not attracting corporate sponsors to the union,” he said.
Chibuye, during the extraordinary council meeting held in Kabwe recently, said his company, JIT Inspections and Trading Limited, will be sponsoring all youth and women tournaments next season to promote competition.