Sport
Rugby Union targets over 600 youngsters in national team talent drive
The Zambia Rugby Union (ZRU) has indicated
Picture: Zambian Business Times
The Zambia Rugby Union (ZRU) has indicated that efforts are underway to recruit about 600 young girls into a talent identification program dubbed Female Rising play in a bid to consolidate the performance of the national team.
Revealing the information to the Zambia Business Times—ZBT, ZRU Secretary General Mambwe Cecilia Tresha said the target is between the ages of 12 and 18, and the program will run for a period of 12 months.
“We are emphasizing the growth of female rugby; the program will run for 12 months. Girls that have had no or little exposure will be taught tap not touch rugby. Our target is 500 to 600 girls, and there is potential for us to reach more.”
“Ultimately our approach is to nurture, identify, develop, retain, and progress as we strengthen the structures of the sport.”
Aside, Tresha revealed that there are also efforts to identify young boys across communities through the Get into Rugby Program, encompassing grassroots. Last year ZRU hosted three festivals in Kitwe and Lusaka and covered communities around the Showground area in Lusaka, reaching out to over 300 children.
Lakatips
Advertise on Lakatips
Reach readers following the national conversation
Display, sponsored placements and briefing slots — across politics, business and sport.
Despite these efforts, Tresha said the union is facing challenges with disseminating the sport across the country, particularly schools for early talent identification. With challenges such as lack of finances, equipment, and sufficient coaches and personnel hindering the development of the sport.
“Challenges like resources that cut for match day staff, finances, and development calls for huge resources, especially given the numbers that are required, the need for more coaches, and the fact that we have sufficient technical personnel, but we need to increase.”
She revealed that the Union does not fully rely on academies but has created a wide network that involves coaches and various key partners, reaching out to about 20 community teams and clubs.
“We are partnering with staff and coaches. We rely on academies, but we have a wide network that comprises a comprehensive approach as ZRU, comprising about 20 community teams, schools, and high learning institutions. They feed players into the clubs, especially the community clubs, identifying young talents.”
Article by Samuel Mutale
Source: Zambian Business Times — Read more
More to read
All Sport →
Why are non-football sports like Rugby and Boxing struggling to attract revenue?
Despite having a wide range of sports
Access Bank eyes broader partnership with Zambia Air Force
Access Bank Zambia says it is looking to deepen its partnership with the Zambia Air Force (ZAF) beyond its sponsorship of the Red Arrows Rugby Club (RARC). Access Bank Zambia Managing Director, Dr Iheanyi Nwogu, said the bank’s relationship with the Zambia Air Force extended…
Dembele inspires PSG fightback to go top of Ligue 1
Ousmane Dembele scored and provided an assist as Paris Saint-Germain came from behind to beat Strasbourg 3-1 away on Saturday, moving to the top of the French Ligue 1 table. PSG fell behind to an early goal from United States international Giovanni Reyna at the…