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Maizeland rugby kids in their new kits

Xolisani Nyathi : Recently in Bindura

The British Council, together with Zimbabwe Rugby Union in partnership with DHL and Old Mutual, joined hands recently to donate rugby kits to a Primary school called Maizeland in Bindura.The kit was donated by schools, club and kit manufacturers across the United Kingdom through an organisation called SOS Kit Aid and now they have thought of donating it in Zimbabwe to help uplift sporting activities in different schools.

Their objective is to promote rugby and give children in developing countries a chance to participate in the sport.

The kit-hand over event was fun-filled with lots of activities. It kicked off with a tour of the school as dignitaries, invited guests and elders of the community moved from one classroom to the other admiring the buildings and interacting with the children as they were sitting in class.

Dignitaries included the Minister of Sport and Recreation, Honourable Makhosini Hlongwane, British Ambassador to Zimbabwe Catriona Laing, Member of Parliament for Bindura South Honorable Remigious Toendepi Matangira among other Government officials.

Other invited guests included members of the SOS Children villages Zimbabwe, the director for SOS children Villages Zimbabwe, Jerry Bigena, and President of the Zimbabwe Rugby Union Jon Falkenberg.

A traditional dance group from the primary school showed off their talent, sending the crowd into a frenzy. The school, it seems, is serious in grooming children well versed in their traditions.

Rugby was introduced at Maizeland Primary School last month and they already know how to play it as they demonstrated in front of the crowd. The demonstration was between the boys and girls as they all play rugby at the primary school.

Some of the kids explained why they liked rugby with some saying it is bizarre for a girl to play it but said they did it for fun, and others were excited that they were given the kits.

“I love playing rugby and I enjoy it. I was inspired by my friends to play it. Actually I saw my friends playing and I thought to myself, what if it I try playing this sport? That is when I tried and realised that it is working out well for me,” said Nichole Chitondo, a 12-year-old girl who is in Grade 6 at the school.

Another 11-year-old pupil who is Grade 6, Linet Handirisi, shared the same sentiments.

“Although we started playing rugby only three weeks back, I am now a bit experienced. I can handle the ball well just like how the boys do it,” she said.

On a different note, another pupil Osman Bangajena thanked the Minister who handed them over the kit and everybody who participated to make this event a success.

“I would like to thank everyone who handed us over the kit, above all, I want to thank the headmaster of the school Zebedia Shengezi and the deputy head Eunice Mutedza for assisting as well in making this event a success,” he said.