The development of rugby on the African continent made another huge leap this weekend when the Confederation of African Rugby staged its inaugural women’s tournament in Kampala, Uganda. Eight teams took part in the one day event with South Africa, Kenya, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Rwanda and Burundi joing two teams from hosts Uganda in the draw.
South Africa won the competition when they beat Uganda 15-7 in the final at Kaydondo. Player of the tournament Charmaine Kaiser scored two minutes into the game to set South Africa on the road to victory. Uganda refused to be overawed and just before the break Uganda’s captain Christine Kizito touched down. The try was converted to give Uganda a 7-5 lead at half time.
The second half was a tense affair with both teams exhausted and when South Africa’s winger Gomba Miranda scored a try, it looked all over for the Ugandans. The hosts then conceded a penalty try to give the visitors a 15-7 victory.
The tournament was an initiative by CAR to encourage the development of women’s rugby among member Unions.
Uganda and Kenya have been competing regularly and have been joined by Rwanda and Burundi in recent times. “We would like to see more women playing rugby and CAR has taken this bold step to encourage Unions to embrace the women,” said CAR president Aziz Bougja.
Bougja’s dream is that the humble beginning could see a strong representation from Africa at the inaugural women’s Rugby Sevens World Cup in 2009.
Full Results
Main cup
Uganda 7 S. Africa 15
Plate
Uganda 0 Zambia 33
Semis
S. Africa 48 Rwanda 0
Uganda 22 Kenya 17
Zambia 55 Burundi 0
Uganda B 22 Zimbabwe 0
MVP: Charmaine Kaiser (SA) Top scorer A. Nzabanita (Rwanda)