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SA Legends coach predicts Zim defeat

Sport
AFRICA Albida Tourism is thrilled to be hosting South African rugby greats as they take on their Zimbabwean counterparts in a clash in Victoria Falls tomorrow.

AFRICA Albida Tourism is thrilled to be hosting South African rugby greats as they take on their Zimbabwean counterparts in a clash in Victoria Falls tomorrow.

BY SPORTS REPORTER

The South African Rugby Legends, made up of former Springboks and provincial rugby players, are favourites to win the match, but locals are hoping for a Zimbabwe Rugby Legends victory.

Africa Albida Tourism chief executive Ross Kennedy said: “Would it not be timely and suitable, for the Zim Legends to post a good victory over our more illustrious neighbours?”

But Zimbabwe-born SA Legends coach Ian McIntosh believed his team would overpower their Zimbabwean rivals, warning big names to watch included Trevor Halstead, Jonathan Mokuena, Kennedy Tsimba and John Mametsa.

Kennedy added having the SA Legends, who are staying at Africa Albida Tourism’s Victoria Falls Safari Lodge and Victoria Falls Safari Suites, in town will be a big boost for the community.

“To have players of this calibre and experience visiting Victoria Falls is a real delight for the entire community, and especially the school where the game will be played,” Kennedy said.

“Some of these players are famed former Springboks and it is a privilege to welcome them, including of course their coach Ian McIntosh, one of Zimbabwe’s most famous rugby sons!

“We are proud to be associated with the event in Victoria Falls, as we play our part in building Brand Victoria Falls and more exposure for Destination Zimbabwe,” he said.

The weekend would be a fitting opportunity for players and the rugby fraternity to pay tribute to “a veritable legend” of Zimbabwean rugby, Reg Nield, who sadly passed away last month, he said.

SA Legends coach Ian McIntosh said this would be the fourth clash between the SA and Zim Legends, with the home team yet to post a victory.

“It’s about past players playing against each other and taking the game to an outreach clinic at the school to encourage youngsters to play in the future and to keep the game alive,” McIntosh said.

McIntosh spent most of his adult life in Zimbabwe, playing rugby for his country, before moving to South Africa 32 years ago, where he coached the Springboks.

He admitted while he had “a sentimental attachment” to his country, Zimbabwe, he also had “strong loyalties” to South Africa.

The 60-minute clash will kick-off at 5pm tomorrow at Victoria Falls Primary School. The SA Legends will also be coaching local children, visiting the Victoria Falls rainforest, and enjoying a river cruise during their three days in the resort town.

Africa Albida Tourism, the event’s Gold Sponsor, will be accommodating the SA Rugby Legends from March 26 to 29.