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Innocent Kurira, [email protected] 

THE Young Sables were yesterday boosted by a US$25 000 sponsorship from National Foods ahead of their tie against Namibia in the Barthes Trophy tournament in Harare today. 

Mike Lashbrook the National Foods Limited Group chief executive officer announced the sponsorship yesterday.

This came after Saturday’s impressive 46-21 victory over Tunisia in their opening game of the four-team tournament that is being played in a round-robin format at Harare Sports Club. 

The other game on the day saw Kenya beat Namibia 34-28 to record a winning start ahead of their second clash with Tunisia, also today. 

The Young Sables out-muscled and outfoxed the Tunisians, running in six tries, with South Africa-based centre Edward Sigauke leading the charge with a brace.

Rugby is being sponsored by the National Foods Nutri-Active brand. 

“Nutri-Active invested over US$25,000 in this comprehensive sponsorship. With such significant financial commitment, National Foods Limited demonstrates their belief in the potential of the Zimbabwe Junior Sables Rugby team and their commitment to empowering youth in sports. 

“Moving forward, the company remains committed to supporting young talent whenever possible, ensuring a bright future for aspiring athletes in Zimbabwe,” said Lashbrook.

The company chief executive officer said the sponsorship had spanned two years, starting in 2023 and continuing through the 2024 campaign.

”National Foods Limited, through Nutri-Active, has consistently supported the Zimbabwe Junior Sables Rugby team, fostering a long-term partnership aimed at nurturing young talent and promoting the sport of rugby,” he said.

The sponsorship also includes a kit deal.

 “Nutri-Active, extended full kit sponsorship to the Zimbabwe Junior Sables Rugby team. The sponsorship covered all aspects of the team’s attire, ensuring they are well-equipped and presented for their matches and training sessions,” reads the statement. 

“The kit sponsorship included match jerseys, alternate jerseys, training kit, tracksuits, golf shirts and hoodies. This support not only enhances the team’s appearance but also instills a sense of unity and pride among the players.”

In the team’s opening match, Sigauke was joined in the try scorers list for Zimbabwe by Shammah Jackson, Allan Mawunga, Emmanuel Magutakuona and Tatenda Runyowa.

Skipper Benoni Nhekairo weighed in with 16 points from the boot, sending over two penalties and five conversions.

De Souza has predicted a tough encounter for his charges.

“It will not be easy. We compete every year with Namibia and l am sure they will come guns blazing against us. Namibia has improved a lot over the years and there will be no pushovers. They have a huge investment from World Rugby (WR), which has helped them improve, so we need to be at our best. Whoever makes more mistakes will lose this game” said De Souza. 

The Junior Sables are the defending champions of the competition. 

They have won the previous two editions of the competition. 

They are hoping to make it a treble more, so that they are playing at home.

“From the opening game, you could see there was a bit of pressure playing in front of the home crowd, which expects nothing but victory. However, we are handling that situation. Some of the errors were from that pressure, but l believe we are ready for the game against Namibia,” said De Souza.

The winner of the four-nation tournament will qualify for the World Junior Trophy slated for Scotland, later this year. —@innocentskizoe