IT’S the dream final that could signal the dawn of a new era in local rugby and rekindle one of the domestic game’s great rivalries.
Report by Daniel Nhakaniso Sports Reporter
Harare Sports Club square off against visiting Matabeleland Warriors in the capital today in what is expected to be a thrilling conclusion to the Lion Lager National Rugby League.
The match kicks off at 4pm at Harare Sports Club.
The emergence of Warriors (formerly Busters) in the domestic league has revived the intense rivalry that once existed between teams from Harare and Bulawayo and added a new dimension to the league. The cross-town rivalry added to the contrasting style of play between the two teams creates all the ingredients of a thriller ahead of the highly-anticipated clash.
Sportivo, as Harare Sports Club is known, will go into the match as favourites after losing only one match during the round robin stages and will also enjoy the advantage of playing in front of their fans.
Warriors, who will go in as underdogs, should be encouraged by the fact that they were the only team that managed to beat Harare Sports Club this season.
The Reuben Kumpasa-coached side pipped Sportivo 29-28 in a nerve-wrecking match at Hartsfield in June to end their unbeaten streak with the latter having earlier won 42-25 in the reverse fixture in April.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
While the teams were evenly poised prior to the knockout stages, previous results will count for nothing today and the team that shows up on the day and plays better rugby will be crowned champions.
Harare Sports Club’s success this season has been hinged on their enterprising running play centered on their star-studded backline which is marshalled by flyhalf Lenience Tambwera, skipper Danny Hondo, Cleopas Makotose and fullback Tangai Nemadire.
The quartet has steered Sports Club to victories in many battles and today is not expected to be any different.
Warriors’ plan will be to shut out their opponents’ creative backs with their star-studded loose trio of Norman Mukondiwa, Lucky Sithole and Biselele Tshamala.
