Online Reporter
Caroline Mutsawu in Dete
SINCE its inception in 2021, the Rhino Cup Champions League (RCCL) has emerged as a trailblazing force in Zimbabwe’s conservation landscape.
It has made significant strides in reducing poaching and drug abuse while safeguarding the country’s precious wildlife heritage.
The league, supported by the Wild and Free Foundation and Painted Dog Conservation (PDC), has gained remarkable traction in local communities. Lupote, Mabale, Dete, and Silewu wards actively embrace the initiative through various awareness campaigns.
Communities have responded positively as there have been a decrease in poaching, drug abuse and even gender-based violence.
In a celebratory milestone, the RCCL recently hosted a prestigious awards ceremony in Dete. The ceremony showcased the initiative’s transformative impact on the local community, including notable infrastructure improvements such as road repairs.
Speaking at the ceremony where top-performing players were honored, PDC administrator, Ms Emma Mlilo emphasised the importance of protecting wildlife, stating that nature is the foundation upon which community development is built.
“Painted Dogs Conservation is delighted to partner with the Wild and Free Foundation,which has enabled us to harness the power of football to unite our community around critical issues such as wildlife conservation and forest preservation,” said Ms Mlilo.
She said the RCCL has been a catalyst for transformative development in the community, with notable improvements in local schools and clinics. The league’s unifying influence has inspired collective action against poaching, as embodied in the RCCL’s rallying cry, “Giving poaching a red card.”
“Nature is more than just a tourist attraction but, it’s the foundation upon which our community’s development is built,” emphasised Ms Mlilo. “Poaching has far reaching consequences, affecting not only the environment but also the community as a whole. That’s why we’re calling on the younger generation, our leaders, athletes, and sports enthusiasts to join forces with us in safeguarding our community’s natural heritage.”
Ms Mlilo encouraged footballers to liken protecting wildlife to scoring goals on the field as she emphasised the importance of wildlife conservation.
RCCL chief executive officer, Mr Ndodana Masuku highlighted that the initiative strove to achieve a perfect gender balance by actively including women in its programs.
“The soccer league is meant to fight and combat poaching of wildlife. With the high level of unemployment, youths and adults find themselves without anything to do and resort to poaching of game, drug and substance abuse, early teenage pregnancies with the introduction of soccer league that has 20 men team with 600 registered players, 9 women team with 270 players. We’re delighted to partner with the Wild and Free Foundation. We’re proud to support female soccer players, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 5, which promotes equality,” said Mr Masuku
He noted that sports initiatives have successfully addressed various social issues, including gender based violence and substance abuse.
“This year, we’ve played football for 44 out of 52 weeks, with both men and women enthusiastically participating,” said Mr Masuku.
He highlighted the initiative’s impact, stating that it engages 360 young boys in teams and takes 1,230 youths off the streets every week. Additionally, the league attracts an average of 100 spectators per venue, translating to around 2,000 people watching the games weekly, making RCCL an entertainment hub in rural areas.
“Our league has made significant strides in combating substance abuse and gender-based violence as players dedicate themselves to sports and the teachings that come with it. For us, football is not just a game it’s a way of life. We live football, we eat football.”
Hwange East Member of Parliament, Joseph Bonda praised the Rhino Cup Champions League (RCCL) for its outstanding work in uniting different tribes to fight for a just cause. MP Bonda, who was guest of honour acknowledged the league’s efforts in promoting unity and conservation among the community.
He noted that the initiative has helped reduce poaching and drug abuse among youths by engaging them in sports.
“Sports have helped decrease poaching and drug abuse among youths. To build on this progress, we must support these children through donations. Let’s initiate a petition to secure sponsorships from local mines, the forestry commission and even wildlife foundations to empower our youth,” he said
YSSA FC, an all-female team, took home the top honors this year, lifting the coveted cup, while Honey Badgers claimed a respectable second place. RCCL honored female referees, coaches, and sponsors for their contributions, while also stressing the need for tribal unity in protecting wildlife, as some tribes share names with these animals and have a vested interest in preserving them.
The awards ceremony was attended by stakeholders from Zimparks, Forestry Commission, conservation groups, traditional leaders and safari operators.
