By Staff Reporter
Nyabira, Mashonaland West-A major schools rugby showcase kicked off today at Lord Brighton College, with organisers positioning the week-long BMT Rugby Festival as a platform for talent development, youth empowerment, and international opportunity.
The tournament, hosted by Lord Brighton College in partnership with BMT Holdings, has attracted 30 schools from across Zimbabwe, down from an initial 50 registrations. The competition runs throughout the week, culminating in finals set for Saturday at Harare Sports Club.
Douglas Mashiri,founder of Lord Brighton College
Speaking ahead of the event, Lord Brighton College Chief Executive Officer, Douglas Mashiri, said the initiative is rooted in a broader vision of using sport to steer young people away from social ills.
“We’ve taken the approach that if we keep the youth engaged, they are less likely to turn to drugs. Instead, they build confidence, discipline, and self-esteem,” said Mashiri.
The festival features both boys’ and girls’ teams competing at a high level, with early arrivals including Domboramwari College from Harare.
Mashiri emphasised that the tournament is also about decentralising sporting opportunities.
“Traditionally, major tournaments have been concentrated in Harare. We want schools from across the country to feel included, to interact, share ideas, and inspire each other,” he said.
Beyond competition, the festival is designed to open pathways for players.
“There are opportunities for scholarships and even national team selection. There is a lot of untapped talent in Zimbabwe, and platforms like this help bring it to the fore,” Mashiri added.
Corporate sponsors have supported the initiative by providing playing kits for all participating teams.
While rugby is the focal point, Lord Brighton College is positioning itself as a hub for holistic education. The institution offers a wide range of sporting disciplines including soccer, hockey, tennis, basketball, and swimming, with plans underway to construct an astroturf hockey pitch.
Mashiri noted that swimming is a compulsory life skill at the school.
“Every child at LBC must be able to swim. It’s part of ensuring they are equipped with essential survival skills,” he said.
The college also promotes arts and cultural development through clubs and a fully equipped music and arts centre.
“In life, a child who can express themselves through music or art is better equipped emotionally. That contributes to mental well-being,” Mashiri explained.
On the academic front, the school is taking an ambitious approach by making multiple languages compulsory.
“We are introducing a curriculum where students will learn Shona, Ndebele, Mandarin, and French. Our goal is to produce learners who can communicate globally and compete internationally,” he said.
The institution is already embracing global exposure. Last year, 12 students travelled to Dubai for an educational exchange programme, while a Grade Four pupil and national taekwondo champion is set to compete in South Korea.
Saturday’s finals at Harare Sports Club are expected to provide young athletes with valuable exposure to top-level rugby environments and national team players.
“It’s an opportunity for many of these students to experience elite facilities and to be seen by scouts. That exposure is critical for their growth,” Mashiri said.
As the young institution continues to grow, the BMT Rugby Festival signals its ambition to blend sport, education, and international outlook in shaping a confident and competitive generation of Zimbabwean youth.
