ZIMBABWE rugby, Africa’s reigning champions, has been basking in the limelight, following its impressive continental success.
The team, popularly known as the Sables, has embarked on a historic tour to Dubai and South Korea, proudly supported by its major sponsor, Nedbank.
This tour has not only been a showcase of Zimbabwe’s rugby prowess but also an effort to connect with the more than four million Zimbabweans living abroad.
However, amidst the triumphs and global engagement, one glaring issue stands out; Zimbabwe Rugby Union lacks an official website.
This absence is puzzling, especially when every other rugby playing nation, including regional neighbours like Kenya (kru.co.ke) and Namibia (nru.com.na) just to name a few, maintains a professional online presence.
A website is not just a luxury in today’s world, it is a standard expectation, particularly for a national team with aspirations of international recognition.
An official website is more than a digital address, it is a platform that unites fans, players, sponsors and stakeholders. For Zimbabwe Rugby Union, having a website will serve multiple purposes that include:
Fan engagement: A website is the ideal hub for fans, providing access to match schedules, live updates, player profiles and constant news updates. For Zimbabweans abroad, it would serve as a vital link to stay connected with their national team.
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Sponsorship opportunities: A well-designed website showcases the team’s professionalism, making it easier to attract sponsors. Companies like Nedbank would benefit from greater visibility, while new sponsors could see the potential in associating with a well-structured digital brand.
Merchandise and revenue: Selling branded merchandise like jerseys, caps and scarves online could generate much needed revenue for the team and the union.
Recruitment and development: A website can be a platform to internationally identify talent, connect with grassroots rugby programmes and share information about coaching clinics and training opportunities.
As Zimbabwe Rugby Union continues to rise, addressing this gap is critical.
The team could collaborate with local or diaspora-based tech experts to create a cost-effective and functional website.
Additionally, leveraging partnerships with sponsors such as Nedbank could provide the necessary funding and expertise to establish a digital footprint through which the sponsor can also market its products and services to the visiting audience.
In today’s interconnected world, an official website is not just a tool but an expectation.
For a team that has brought pride to our great nation, bridging this digital divide is essential.
A Zimbabwe Rugby Union website would serve as a rallying point for fans, a platform for global recognition and a foundation for the team’s future success.
In conclusion, sadly, our national soccer team has two websites: zifa.org.zw and zifafootball.org.zw, something which needs to be resolved as soon as possible.
Furthermore, I believe the Sports and Recreation Commission should make it mandatory for all national sports teams to have websites and email addresses to facilitate easier interaction with their followers, sponsors and other stakeholders.
Mutisi is the CEO of Hansole Investments (Pvt) Ltd. He is the current chairperson of Zimbabwe Information & Communication Technology, a division of Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers. — +263772 278 161 or chair@zict.org.zw
