By FELIX MALUNGA –
ORGANISERS for next weekend’s 2015 Ndola Sevens Rugby Championship have raised K35,000, leaving a deficit of K15,000 to meet the budget.
The Ndola Sevens has attracted 16 teams which include defending champions, Red Arrows.
Tournament organising committee chairperson, Moono Muleya said in an interview in Ndola yesterday that his team was optimistic of meeting the K50,000 budget early next week ahead of the August 29 event.
Muleya said apart from the fundraising part, preparations were going on well with the changing rooms, pitch and lighting at Ndola Wanderers Club already done.
She paid tribute to the corporate world for the support rendered so far and appealed to other business institutions to come on board to be part of the annual tournament.
The sponsors so far are Stanbic Bank, First Quantum Minerals, Coastal Hire, G4S Secure Solutions, Coastal Hire, Corporate Support Solutions, GIT Inspection and Trading, PB Wholesalers and Acqua Rent-A-Dispenser.
This year’s winners are guaranteed of K7,000 with the losing finalists picking up K5,000.
Muleya named the participating teams as champions Red Arrows, Kitwe Playing Field (KPF), Diggers, Nchanga, Mufulira, Konkola, Chibuluma, Chambeshi, Lusaka, Kansanshi, Green Eagles, Nkwazi, Green Buffaloes, Prisons and hosts, Ndola Wanderers.
She said Arrows’ major threat could come from KPF who have recruited former Diggers top players in their ranks.
Muleya also said the spectators would also be treated to some women rugby involving Arrows and Eagles.