ATHLETES Sphere Management (ASM) has signed a huge partnership with South African rugby powerhouse Golden Lions Rugby Union which will see the Lions setting up a rugby academy in Zimbabwe.
This is the second major international brand to partner with ASM after La Liga giants Real Betis set up an academy in Zimbabwe towards the end of 2019.
However, it is the latest partnership with the Johannesburg rugby franchise that will excite the local rugby community as Zimbabweans naturally play expansive rugby like the one Lions play.
The local game has been crying out for such an initiative after the mother body, Zimbabwe Rugby Union, failed to establish a national academy, and it has taken a private player to tap into the vast local talent.
The Golden Lions have had several Zimbabweans on their books over the years, notably former Sables fly half Guy Cronje, speedster Tonderai Chavhanga and prop Brian Mujati.
This marriage will likely unearth more rugby gems from Zimbabwe and grow the Lions brand in the region and beyond.
With ZRU trying to use the qualification for the Rugby World Cup in France as a catalyst for growth, such initiatives will help create a pathway into a semi-professional and professional set-up for the young players.
As a former Zimbabwe international, ASM founder and CEO Gerald Sibanda could not hide his excitement about this milestone.
“I am looking forward to working with the Lions especially establishing a lot of grassroots programs that will give pipeline opportunities for the next generation of players who want to pursue rugby as a profession,” he told Entersportnews.
