THE National Sports Stadium, which last staged an international rugby match 17 years ago, has been confirmed as the venue for the high-profile Super Rugby pre-season friendly, pitting South African teams Vodacom Bulls and Toyota Cheetahs on February 6. BY DANIEL NHAKANISO
Local sports management company, Kyros Sports, who are the organisers of the highly-anticipated encounter, confirmed the venue before indicating the cheapest ticket for the encounter had been pegged at $10.
“For the first time in Zimbabwe, Super Rugby action pitting three-time champions, the Vodacom Blue Bulls versus the exciting new generation of the Toyota Free State Cheetahs (will be held in Zimbabwe),” Kyros Sports said in a statement.
“Both teams will battle it out for the Lafarge Zimbabwe Champions Cup. The two teams combined will comprise of 14 capped Springbok players, it promises to be a thrilling encounter to be held at the National Sports Stadium.”
Initially Kyros Sports had indicated that the National Sports Stadium was one of the four venues under consideration together with the Harare Sports Club cricket ground and rugby fields and the Police Grounds.
However, they have settled for the giant facility which last hosted an international rugby match when Zimbabwe hosted Wales in a match the Sables lost 49-11 in June 1998. Besides taking part in the Lafarge Zimbabwe Champions Cup, the two South African sides are also expected to take part in various activities such as conducting a clinic for young players.
“Both teams will carry out a number of coaching clinics, fan-signing activities and there will also be a match activation dinner on Friday February 5,” former Zimbabwe youth international Kisset Chirengende, the founder and director of Kyros Sports said recently.
- 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
The teams will also spend some time in Victoria Falls with the Vodacom Bulls expected to be in Zimbabwe from January 29 to February 7.
Chirengende said he was hopeful the visit by the South African giants would help stimulate the growth of rugby in Zimbabwe.
Last year, Kyros Sports also organised the successful Dairibord Kyros Rugby Academy week, which saw former All Blacks player and coach John Mitchell, ex-Springboks head coach Peter de Villiers holding coaching clinics in the country.
