HARARE Sports Club (HSC)might have lost several key players during the offseason, but assistant coach Blessing Chiutare believes they still have enough quality in their ranks to defend their Lion Lager National Rugby League title.
Report by Daniel Nhakaniso
Sportivo, as HSC are affectionately known, lifted the Lion Lager National Rugby League title after beating Matabeleland Warriors in the final last season.
Today, the reigning champions kick off their title defence with a tricky tie against Gweru Sports Club at their favourite hunting ground, Harare Sports Club.
They will, however, be missing the services of former Sables skipper Cleopas Makotose, who left for Warriors and Raymond Dzvairo and Samson Makuku, who crossed the great divide by joining bitter rivals Old Hararians together with former coach Cyprian Mandenge.
While admitting that the departure of the three was a huge loss, Chitaure said he was confident they could carry on with their winning momentum from last season.
“Obviously we lost three key players like Makotose, Makuku and Dzvairo during the offseason, but we have not considered bringing in players from other teams.
“We have a lot of depth in our structures and we will be looking to promote some youngsters and blend them with the experienced players we already have. We are ready to defend our title, but as always we will be taking it one game at a time and make sure we don’t get ahead of ourselves,” Chitaure, whose side will be overwhelming favourites to win the match, said.
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In addition to a vibrant junior policy, Harare Sports Club also boasts experienced senior players such as captain Daniel Hondo, winger Tangai Nemadire and prop Jakov Jakov.
Gweru Sports Club utility player Charles Gwanzura said they would be hoping to give Harare Sports Club a good run.
“Harare Sports Club is a very strong side and the type of opposition any team would want to beat, but like any team, we will be hoping to give them a good game.
We have a lot of talented young players who are coming from the schools system and a number of experienced players, and hopefully the blend of youth and experience will be good for us,” Gwanzura said.
Gwanzura is one of the experienced players in the Gweru Sports Club side together with Zimbabwe Sevens wing Kelvin Magunje, Lock Eddy Muchenje and player-coach Zwelonke Mloiswa.
Meanwhile, in an earlier match at Harare Sports Club, Old Hararians will kick off their title defence with a tie against Old Miltonians while newcomers Zvishavane Bulls will host Old Georgians at McAdams Stadium in the mining town.
Warriors take on Western Panthers in a Bulawayo derby at Hartsfield.
