Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
PLUMTREE High School Amabhubesi roared the loudest at the 2025 Bulawayo Metropolitan Rugby Football Board (BMRFB) Archer Clothing Under-20 Rugby League as they were crowned champions at Hartsfield Rugby Grounds on Saturday.
Amabhubesi rose from early adversity to ultimate triumph, dismantling Western Suburbs Panthers 38-15 in a dominant final performance that etched their name into the league’s history books. The victory wrapped up nine weeks of intense, high-octane rugby that thrilled fans and unearthed new stars.
Their championship run was a testament to grit, growth and unshakable belief. After suffering defeats in their first two matches of the round-robin phase, Amabhubesi staged a dramatic turnaround, clawing their way into the semi-finals and ultimately roaring to the top — securing the prestigious trophy and a US$1 000 cash prize.
For the previously unbeaten Panthers, it was a cruel end to a perfect campaign. The tournament favourites were undone in the most important match of the season, tasting defeat for the first and only time when it mattered most.
Reflecting on the emotional journey, Amabhubesi head coach Francis Nakamu expressed immense pride in his young charges.
“I am very proud of the boys. We didn’t start well as some had other commitments like athletics. After losing our first two games, we regrouped, worked on our mistakes and improved week by week. By the time we reached the semi-finals, we started believing we could actually win it. I’m very happy with the work we’ve put in,” said Nakamu.
He was quick to credit former Plumtree High stars — Zimbabwe rugby legend Victor Olonga and administrator, James Nemashakwe — for their mentorship and behind-the-scenes contributions to the team’s revival.
“Special thanks to Victor Olonga and James Nemashakwe for coming in and helping us. They’ve invested their time, effort and money into reviving rugby at Plumtree. With their guidance, we’re making great progress, and as we prepare for the season ahead, we believe we’re headed in the right direction.”
There was poetic justice in the fact that Amabhubesi’s first match of the tournament had been a narrow 15-12 loss to the Panthers — the very team they would eventually beat in the final. That early defeat proved to be a learning curve that shaped their championship run.
“When we played the Panthers in the first game, we made a lot of mistakes. But we studied that match, identified their strengths and weaknesses and came up with a plan. They like fast, running rugby and offloading — so we slowed them down, kicked a lot, and that worked to our advantage,” Nakamu explained.
Also in attendance was Plumtree High School headmaster Sipho Khumalo, who commended the team’s effort and praised the support from the school’s alumni.
“We’ve been taking rugby seriously over the past few years, and I’d like to particularly thank the old boys for their support. We are the champions, and we’ll continue with the tradition of being the best of the best,” said Khumalo.
Team captain Mduduzi Sibanda, beamed with pride after lifting the trophy, describing the title as a reward for the team’s unwavering faith and resilience.
“We lost our first two games but we never panicked, we never lost hope. We were underdogs in this tournament but we worked very hard. I want to thank God for guiding us to success, and I’m grateful to Mr Olonga. It was an honour to captain this talented team to victory,” said Sibanda.
In the third-place playoff, Christian Brothers College (CBC) Hornets clinched bronze ahead of Old Miltonians (OMs), who finished fourth.
Meanwhile, the Bulldogs ladies side put together an invincible run to claim the women’s championship title, adding to the tournament’s spectacle.
The men’s division featured eight spirited teams — Plumtree High, Western Suburbs Panthers, CBC Hornets, Old Miltonians, Matabeleland Warriors, Highlanders, Matabeleland Lions (Gwanda) and Bulldogs — while the women’s division had four: Bulldogs, Panthers, Highlanders, and Plumtree.
— @brandon_malvin
