Zim vs S.A Rugby legends match an image promoter says Kaseke

via Zim vs S.A Rugby legends match an image promoter says Kaseke – The Zimbabwean 20 February 2015

The Zimbabwe and South Africa Rugby Legends match set for March 28, 2015 in Victoria Falls, provides an opportunity for Zimbabwe to promote its image around the world, Karikoga Kaseke, chief executive officer Zimbabwe Tourism Authority has said.

Addressing journalists in Harare this afternoon, Kaseke said the match organised under the ZTA Events Tourism, would help rebrand the country’s image which continued to receive negative publicity in some countries.

“This match is of great magnitude and importance as great Rugby legends would avail themselves and help rebrand the ZTA brand to the benefit of the country.

“Zimbabwe is still viewed negatively and the event would erase the negative attitude from people’s minds across the globe.

“We hope the event will raise Zimbabwe’s image as a tourist destination and hospitable nation from the current less than 30 percent low rating, to 70 percent and eventually eradicate the negative attitude by end of the year,” Kaseke said.

Speaking at the same media briefing, Robin Brown, of the Corporate Travel, Conference and Creative Teaming, described the match as historic, since Zimbabwe and South Africa had an intertwined history of strong rugby ties.

Brown said besides entertainment, after the match, the competing legends would tour the Victoria Falls and later develop partnerships.

“The objective of the event is to develop Rugby between the two countries and enable the legends plough back into the sport which brought them fame.

“An extended rugby clinic at the venue of the match, Victoria Falls Primary School, from March 26-29, 2015 will benefit participating children from surrounding schools, as they will be groomed by the Rugby greats,” Brown said, noting that the legends’ teams would be composed of the retired players and those aged over 35.

Legendaries such as Brighton Chivandire, David Walters and Shown Robertson among others would feature in the Zimbabwe team while the South Africa squad will assemble big names such as Peter Dickson, Crag Mackintosh and Jonathan Makina among others.

A nominal entry fee will be charged to attract a huge spectatorship.

According to Brown, proceeds from the match would be channelled towards development of junior rugby in the country.

Spectators from countries such as South Africa, Zambia, Botswana and Namibia are expected to throng the event.

The event was sponsored by organisations that include Africa Albida Tourism, African Sun, Wild Horizons, Blue Arrow Coaches, Into Africa and Monomotapa, Liquorama Victoria Falls and Cansaf-Event Coordinators.