Paratus prepared to develop Rugby 7s in Zambia
Paratus Telecom Zambia has pledged to continue sponsoring Rugby 7s in Zambia as part of an initiative to develop the budding sport and guarantee Zambia’s full participation at World Cup rugby tournaments.
The pledge comes after Zambia participated in the Victoria Falls Rugby 7s tournament where Zimbabwe’s Cheetahs, were crowned winners of the tournament after beating Namibia 24-7 in the Cup final held in Zimbabwe.
The Cheetahs, who were using the tournament to prepare for their Rugby World Cup Sevens qualifiers this year, recorded victories over neighbours Zambia, Namibia and Botswana during the two-day tournament held in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
“We are so proud to see the successful hosting of Rugby 7s. The fact that different countries participated in the tournament meant that it was a great way to bond, connect and unite as people too,” said Marius van Vuuren, Country Manager of the connectivity solutions provider, which is part of the Paratus Telecom Group.
Van Vuuren added: “As proud sponsors of Rugby 7s, we are happy that so many companies came on board to support the Zambia team. We believe that the support they showed provided motivation and strength to the team hence their outstanding play at the tournament.”
He said the company would continue sponsoring Rugby 7s in the country as part of its efforts to promote the sport, which helps to build team spirit, unity and peace. The sponsorship of the Rugby 7s championship comes as Paratus Telecom Zambia celebrates its 7th anniversary. The Paratus Group entered Zambia in 2010 and rapidly established itself as the go-to provider for connectivity, hosting and data security solutions; capitalising on its international expertise and infrastructure to deliver the best services locally with the local touch.
“Rugby is a sport that is growing in Zambia. We want rugby to be among Zambia’s greatest and strongest sports ever. We want it to thrive in schools and communities so that it can create a lasting legacy for generations to come,” he stated.
Van Vuuren said: ”We are sure that for the legacy of this game to live on it’s important that we continue supporting the sport, especially focusing our attention on the grassroots.”
He congratulated Zimbabwe for emerging as winners of the Rugby 7s tournament.
Zimbabwe fielded three teams at the tournament the Cheetahs, Goshawks and the Presidents VII. Zambia and Botswana sent two teams and Namibia had one.
The Cheetahs made up Group A with Namibia, Botswana and Zambia A while Group B had Zambia B, Goshawks, Botswana A and Presidents VII.
In November the Africa Cup will serve as the 2018 Sevens Rugby World Cup qualifier. The top two teams from Africa cup will book a place at the final in San Francisco, USA.