South-East Rugby Sevens Tournament Proceeds Despite Hiccups

from Mmegionline:

The Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the upcoming Women’s South-East Rugby Sevens tournament, is faced with financial challenges with less than 25 days to kick-off.

The tournament will be staged in Gaborone for the first time from October 29 to 30.

A member of the LOC, Zilwele Khumalo told Mmegi Sport yesterday that almost everything is on track, except that they are yet to find a sponsor.

“We are talking to some few potential sponsors but nothing concrete has been agreed so far,” he said. He said that lack of sponsorship for the tournament will not lead to cancellation. “We cannot call off the tournament now even if we fail to get a sponsor.

Everything is almost done and the tournament will go on,” he said. He also revealed that they have managed to secure the venue for the two-day tournament.
UB Stadium is expected to be the battleground for the women’s teams from the eight countries, Botswana, Kenya, Madagascar, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. He said all the eight countries have confirmed participation. The tournament will serve as a qualifier for the 2012 African Sevens Championship, which in turn would determine teams that qualify for the 2013 World Cup.

Meanwhile, Botswana Rugby Union (BRU) president, Bob Lekan, has said that by hosting the tournament, they have been afforded an opportunity to break new ground in women’s rugby.
Lekan said that women’s rugby continues to develop not only in Botswana, but the whole world.

“Where often women’s rugby tournaments are hosted in conjunction with men, the latter takes precedence, not only overshadowing the female talent, but also the hospitality they receive.

This occasion will allow our nation to demonstrate how a women’s rugby tournament should be facilitated, exhibiting proper hospitality, and most importantly, showcasing females’ ability and the importance of women in sport,” he said.
He said that since the national women’s sevens team was established in 2008, they have since grown in strength, bringing some silverware. He stated that the team should take advantage of this tournament ahead of the 2013 World Cup.