Online Reporter
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
MUTARE Boys High’s rugby revival is yielding fruit – with the school qualifying for the Under 17s national finals – which commence on Wednesday in Chinhoyi, and a remarkable rise in the CBZ Schools Rugby rankings.
Ranked 55th three years ago, Mutare Boys High have climbed to 15th position. The Casper Bandi-coached team sealed their place in the national finals after defeating Nyanga High 19-0 in the provincial final played last Friday.
Bandi said: “It has been an amazing day in the Manicaland Nash U17s rugby 2025 season. Our mission from the outset was to qualify for the Nash Under 17s Nationals in Chinhoyi, and the team got the job done.
“We had to overcome a well-coached and drilled Nyanga High team in the final. The atmosphere was electric, with the crowd’s support driving us forward, leaving Nyanga High little room to breathe.”
Regarding the school’s ranking surge, Bandi commented: “In the CBZ Schools boys’ rugby rankings, we are performing exceptionally well, considering our ranking of 55th three years ago. We have risen to 15th, and this progress is attributed to our school headmaster, Philip Padhuze, who is an ardent rugby enthusiast and has been instrumental in driving this initiative.
“The support from Mutare Boys High old boys has also been invaluable, as they have been with us every step of the way. I am excited to see how we will conclude the season, especially with our upcoming match against Hillcrest.”
