The Zambia Rugby Union(ZRU), has bemoaned the lack of resources to host the Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens (RAW7s) 2024 Olympics Pre-qualifiers tournament slated for early July this year.
Zambia will host nine other African countries that will participate in the tournament.
In an interview with Lusaka Star, ZRU General , Mukunka Silungwe said that the Union has significant budget deficits as it has so far managed to raise about a quarter of the total budget in hopes to give the best treatment to the guest teams.
“We want to make sure our guests are entertained, properly fed with enough transport and security but all these things cost money,” he said.
Mr. Silungwe urged the stakeholders and sponsors to help in promoting and marketing the tournament as it would be unfair for the Union to host the tournament on its own.
“When we host such tournaments, everyone has a role to play even if it means buying a ticket to watch the games or giving encouragement words to the girls (Women’s rugby team),” he said.
Meanwhile, Zambia Rugby 7s Ladies National Team Coach Willis Magasa said the preparations for the 2024 Olympics Pre-qualifiers tournament are going on well.
Mr. Magasa stated that the team has been in camp for two weeks and that it is remaining with few weeks before the Tournament.
“There has not been any challenges in terms of preparations the Facilities and equipments are just okay we can’t complain,” he Said
Mr. Magasa added that the team is not only eying to qualify to the RAW7s 2024 Olympics but also win the inaugural tournament.
He further urged fans to turn out in large numbers and support the Rugby 7s Ladies National Team.
Algeria, Egypt, Senegal, Mauritius, Cote D ‘Ivore are among the Countries  participating.
The tournament will be held on 1st and 2nd July, 2023 at the Lusaka Rugby Club, Show groun