Former champions Harare Sports Club will start as overwhelming favourites to progress to the Lion Lager National Rugby League final when they face off against bitter rivals Old Hararians at Harare Sports Club today in the semi-final derby.
Report by Daniel Nhakaniso The match kicks off at 4pm and winners in this match will clash with the winner of the other semi-final between Matabeleland Warriors and defending champions Old Georgians at Hartsfield Rugby Grounds.
“Red Lions” as Harare Sports Club are affectionately known have been the in-form team in the league since the start of the season and will enjoy home advantage in this crucial match.
The Blessing Chitaure-coached side lost only one game against Matabeleland Warriors to complete the round-robin stage of the season on the apex of the log with 65 points.
Should they beat their city rivals today, they will enjoy home advantage for the final, but if they lose and Matabeleland Warriors win, the final between Warriors and Old Hararians will be at Hartsfield.
Red Lions captain Danny Hondo told NewsDay Sport early this week that his charges were confident of ending a two-year barren spell in which they have been pipped by Old Georgians in the final, earning the tag of being chokers.
The “Old Boys”, as Old Hararians are affectionately known, are also confident of doing well and team manager Simba Khaka promised to give their rivals a good run for their money.
