Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
MATABELELAND Rugby Football Board (MRFB) has cancelled their weekend programme to support the #SaveManqoba campaign that seeks to raise $43 000 for the baby’s liver transplant in India.
Baby Manqoba Mabhena, nine-months-old, was diagnosed with a condition called biliary atresia and a transplant has to be done within a month to save her life as the liver can stop functioning at any time.
MRFB secretary-general Craig Change said the North versus South Sevens game which had been set for Hartsfield Grounds this afternoon will now be played at the same venue next weekend.
“As a board we saw it proper to postpone our weekend Sevens programme so that rugby enthusiasts can go and support the noble #SaveManqoba walk and the concert set for Hartsfield tomorrow (today). The organisers of the concert will need time to prepare the ground and as such, we can’t have games,” said Change.
A sponsored walk organised by Bulawayo journalists to raise funds for Manqoba will be held this morning with participants walking from the Large City Hall to Hillside Dams.
After the walk, artistes will hold a #SaveManqoba bash at Hartsfield Tshisa Nyama where Cal_Vin, Nkwali, Khuliyo, Djembe Monks, and Donna N will take to the stage with 3D Event DJs Crayzee Black and Liz.
One of the organisers of the walk, Sunday News senior reporter Robin Muchetu said participants would congregate at the Large City Hall at 7AM.
“Everyone is invited to the walk. Those who want to participate can pay $5 for adults and $2 for children,” said Muchetu.
“Those who’ll not be able to join the walk can still donate to help the Mabhena family.”
She said $17 900 has been raised thus far and encouraged individuals and corporates to continue chipping in as $43 000 is needed.
“We’ve a target of $43 000 and if we all join hands, we can reach it. People can help in any way as there’s no donation that’s too small.”
Muchetu urged people to treat Manqoba’s issue with urgency saying the nine-month-old baby’s liver could fail to function anytime from now.
So far, companies such as Udine, Hawkflight, Bakers Inn, Buy and Build, Mimosa Mine, Devine Assignments, Bonsa Spar, Hillside Dams, 3D Events and Boom City have chipped in through cash and kind.
Those active on social media have been urged to support the cause by using the #SaveManqoba hash tag each time they post about Manqoba.
Also, those who will not be able to be part of the walk but want to assist baby Manqoba may get in touch with her mother — Shamiso on +263772935224 or deposit any amount to the banking details below:
Name: Shamiso Yikoniko
Bank: FBC Bank
Branch: FBC Centre
Account Number: 3070070770125