Lagunya pays respects to rugby stalwarts

At a recent memorial service, the Nyanga-based Lagunya Rugby Football Club paid its heartfelt respects to the many unsung heroes who had dedicated their lives to the development and betterment of rugby in the area and its surrounds.

The event, held a fortnight ago at Zolani Centre in Nyanga, was organised to pay homage to these stalwarts who had died during 2020 and 2021.

Lagunya president, Andile Kani, said they hosted the memorial service because Covid-19 restrictions had prevented them from attending the funerals and they wanted to create an opportunity to honour the memories of their friends and colleagues.

”We had a spirit of brotherhood,“ he said.

’’We had a family bond and we must show their families that we cared for each other and loved one another. It is the first time that we have done such a thing and we want to carry on.

’’We want to keep their memories alive - and their teachings,” he said.

Mr Kilani said they hoped that they would get more support from the government and other stakeholders involved in rugby.

Didieka Twala's husband, Linda Twala, was among those honoured on the day.

The mother of one said her husband had devoted his entire life to rugby and she felt a sense of pride and gratitude that he had been recognised for his role in this sport he loved dearly.

Ms Twala said her husband died last year at the age of 65.

Nomonde Vambe, whose husband Mvuyo was also recognised, described the gesture by Lagunya rugby club as thoughtful and added that it was comforting to know that even though their loved one was gone, their efforts had not been forgotten.

But she said the memorial service carried a message that as parents they must encourage and support their children who are participating in sport.

“My husband played rugby. He spent all his years, until he died this year at the age of 66, involved in rugby. It was great to see his peers and friends paying their last respects,” she said.