adminTinashe Kusema
The more things change, the more they stay the same!
That seemed to be the running theme as the “new-look” Zimbabwe Rugby League came to life at Old Georgians Sports Club yesterday.
Mutare Sports Club failed to show up and, as a result, there were only two games on display.
Traditional heavyweights Harare Sports Club romped to an emphatic victory over Police Defenders, with Admire Chiku, Adnan Matibula, Osbourne Muhambi, Griffin Mtetwa, Eurry Maphosa and Aurthur Mangena all planting tries.
At the time of going to print, hosts Old Georgians were due to clash with Southern City.
Sports Club beat Police Defenders 32-2. While attempts by the Zimbabwe Rugby Union to revive the NRL are commendable, a lot still needs to be done.
However, amid the chaos, coaches and players were happy to finally get a run.
“It’s been a pretty disjointed opening for us, specifically from a players’ point of view as we lost many players due to the disbanding of the national league and withdrawal of sponsorship.
“Most of our players have either sought new employment, moved abroad or simply left rugby altogether.
“However, we are happy to be finally able to play rugby and also looking forward to mixing up both the big boys and the so-called ‘small boys’ of Zimbabwe rugby in our province,” said Harare Sports Club skipper Kuda Chisepo.
His sentiments were echoed by Southern City’s technical director Carlton Majuru.
“If you look closely, the National Rugby League had dropped in standards, especially teams from Matabeleland with Busters and Panthers all but a pale shadow of their former selves.
“As for my team, we are looking forward to playing rugby,” he said.
Online Reporter