Matebeleland South Rugby Board

From the Field to the World: The Global Impact of Sport

Sport has emerged as a formidable force in shaping trends, influencing lifestyles, and transforming lives across various socio-economic strata. The sports industry has created a new generation of influencers, who wield significant power and authority. These sports personalities have become trendsetters, with their endorsement and association highly sought after by top brands and businesses.

One of the most remarkable aspects of sport is its ability to dramatically alter an individual's socio-economic status. Through hard work, dedication, and talent, sportspeople can achieve exponential growth in their personal and professional lives. The success of sports personalities has led to a proliferation of lucrative business ventures, high-end endorsements, and even political careers.

The phenomenon of sportspeople transitioning into politics is a testament to the power of sport. George Weah, the former President of Liberia, is a prime example. A former soccer sensation in the English Premier League, Weah's athletic prowess and charisma paved the way for his political ascent. His journey from the soccer pitch to the presidency is a shining example of how sport can be a springboard for socio-economic mobility and even political influence.

Perhaps one day, Matabeleland South will boast rugby stars with stories similar to George Weah's. Desk"

Secretary Desk

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Rugby the Sport of Choice.......

PLUMTREE High School Amabhubesi roared the loudest at the 2025 Bulawayo Metropolitan Rugby Football Board (BMRFB) Archer Clothing Under-20 Rugby League as they were crowned champions at Hartsfield Rugby Grounds on Saturday.
https://www.chronicle.co.zw/amabhubesi-stun-panthers-to-win-championship/

Sporting Discipline Diversity: Shaking Up National Sports Events

The National Sables has recently been crowned the team of the year 2025. Zimbabwe’s senior men’s rugby team, the Sables, were officially named Team of the Year at the 2025 Annual National Sports Awards (ANSA), held in Harare this past weekend. The accolade comes as a fitting tribute to a year defined by excellence, discipline, and national pride, as the Sables continue their rise on the continental and global stage.
It is said in the 2024 season they won two Africa Cup titles, and rose to 28th position in the World Rugby Rankings which is Zimbabwe’s highest position in a decade. This stellar acknowledgment should be further celebrated not in the rugby circles but also in the whole country as this is the team that depicts pride to the nation. As Matabeleland South Rugby Board (MSRB) we did a survey on the Attitudes, Beliefs and Challenges: Exploring factors affecting Adolescent Girls' participation in Rugby in Matabeleland South Province, Zimbabwe, the results showed that young girls in the province despite rugby's growing global popularity, adolescent girls in Matabeleland South Province, Zimbabwe, face significant barriers to participation, resulting in alarming underrepresentation in the sport. According to the Head of Schools Rugby in Matabeleland South, a staggering disparity exists, with only four primary schools (out of 512) and four secondary schools (out of 161) fielding girls' rugby teams.
Further highlighting the limited engagement, records from the Matabeleland South Rugby Board (MSRB) reveal that only two out-of-school female rugby teams exist in the entire province. This stark reality underscores the challenges faced by school-going girls in Matabeleland, who struggle to consider rugby as a viable sporting option. Of which if we are to rate it is one of the sporting codes which actually wins accolades and has International recognition. The lack of opportunities, infrastructure, and support systems hinders their ability to participate and engage with the sport. In this research the girls were further asked what would make the sport be accessible and appealing they highlighted issues with awareness on the subject matter which Rugby, local authorities availing infrastructure like rugby fields and the corporate world sponsoring tournaments.
There is a certainly a crisis in the grassroots which are the base for the national pool of selection. In few words of the way forward in the capacity of the Secretary of MSRB and a Sports Scientist by profession would petition to the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture to consider rotation of the sporting disciplines during national events, for example the Uhuru Cup can it not only be soccer but also Rugby as this will bring sponsors on board for Rugby, provide the necessary exposure and awareness that will far reach the country, give pride to our local players and the high-profile nature of the Independence Cup could attract new sponsors and partners for Zimbabwean rugby, providing financial support and resources.

From Secretary Office
Cc Development officer

Zimbabwe Rugby UnionBrian BandaFrancis Steyn Nakamu

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Sport including Rugby has a universal language, transcending cultural, linguistic, and geographical boundaries, which unite humanity like no other force. As the world's largest employer, sport encompasses a vast and diverse workforce, engaging millions of people across the globe. From athletes and coaches to administrators, officials, and spectators, the sport's ecosystem supports an astonishing array of roles and responsibilities.
Beyond its economic impact, sport's significance lies in its capacity to bridge cultural divides, foster global understanding, and promote peace. It is a common ground where people from every country, ethnic background, and walk of life converge, sharing a passion that knows no borders.
The universality of sport is a testament to its power and reach. It has the ability to inspire, educate, and empower individuals, communities, and nations. Therefore, to a greater extent anyone can indulge or be part of Rugby despite gender, race, religion to mention a few. In Rugby you can be a player in the field or off the field.
SO JOIN THE RUGBY MOVEMENT TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!

From SG Office

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With Zimbabwe Rugby Union – I just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉

The Universality of Sport: Rugby as a Prime Example

Rugby, a sport known for its physicality and intensity, is also a shining example of the universality of sport. It is a discipline where individuals of all shapes and sizes can find a place to belong. In rugby, physical build is not a barrier to participation, and players of varying sizes and abilities can coexist on the same team.

I recall attending a level one rugby course where a facilitator shared a remarkable story that illustrated this point perfectly. He spoke of a team they had visited in the outskirts of Bulawayo, where they encountered a player who was significantly overweight. The team was curious, wondering how this individual would keep up with the demands of the game. However, as the whistle blew, the large player took his position in the first line up.

What happened next was nothing short of astonishing. Despite his size, the player proved to be an invaluable asset to his team. He would walk from one scrum to another, his presence undisputed, and his team benefited greatly from his unique strengths. The home team won almost every scrum because of this over sized player. This phenomen actually tallies with the common shona saying which says “ Munhu hariswe” “Umuntu kalahlwa in Ndebele” this loosely translates to no breathing individual is deemed useless. Only that the individual will be catered for with the specific strenghth he or she exhibits. Sport is a home for all and this an approach which can be translated into our day to day lives. incomplete

This story highlights the beauty of rugby and the universality of sport. It shows that anyone can find their place in the game, regardless of their physical build or ability. In rugby, diversity is celebrated, and players of all shapes and sizes can come together to achieve a common goal.
From SG Office

Meet the Board: We proudly acknowledge the leadership of our Board Chair, Mr. Brian Banda, whose vision and guidance have been instrumental in driving the remarkable growth of rugby development in Matabeleland South. Under his stewardship, we've witnessed a phenomenal increase in female participation, embracing the inclusive spirit of rugby, where every body type is valued and welcomed.

Rugby To The People

Attitudes, Beliefs and Challenges: Exploring factors affecting Adolescent Girls' participation in Rugby in rural Matabeleland South Province, Zimbabwe.*

Rugby is a sport that offers numerous physical, social, and emotional benefits, yet adolescent girls in rural Matabeleland South Province, Zimbabwe, remain underrepresented in the sport. This study aims to explore the attitudes, beliefs, and challenges that influence adolescent girls' participation in rugby in this region.

Your participation in this questionnaire will help us better understand the factors that encourage or hinder your involvement in rugby. Your responses will contribute to the development of strategies that promote gender inclusivity and equal opportunities in sports. Follow link below:

Attitudes, Beliefs and Challenges: Exploring factors affecting Adolescent Girls' participation in Rugby in rural Matabeleland South Province, Zimbabwe. Introduction: Rugby is a sport that offers numerous physical, social, and emotional benefits, yet adolescent girls in rural Matabeleland South Province, Zimbabwe, remain underrepresented in the sport. This study aims to explore the attitudes, beliefs, and challenges that influence adolescent girls'....