Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE curtain is set to fall on the 2025 Bulawayo Metropolitan Rugby Football Board (BMRFB) Archer Clothing Rugby League with a blockbuster finale today. Old Miltonians (OMs) will clash with bitter rivals Matabeleland Warriors at Hartsfield Grounds in a match that promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the season.
This derby finale is a rematch of last year’s championship, where OMs spectacularly snatched the title. They’ll be looking to defend their crown, while the Warriors are desperate to reclaim the title they held for over a decade before their rivals’ victory. The two sides have already provided fans with two nail-biting encounters this season, with OMs winning the first leg 39-35 and the return fixture ending in a thrilling 28-28 draw.
OMs booked their spot in the final with a hard-fought 27-13 victory over Gweru’s Mahogany Bulls, while the Warriors dominated Western Suburbs Panthers with a convincing 36-5 win.
OMs head coach Paradzai Matsika is confident in his side’s preparation.
“It has been a good week, we don’t have any injuries so we are going into the final with a full strength squad.
Everyone is excited and looking forward to the game, and all we need to do is keep our composure and stick to the script. From the previous games, in the first half we managed to build good leads but drop off in the second -half.
This time we just need to ensure that if we get a good lead, we keep up the tempo and not allow them back into the game,” he said.
Meanwhile, Warriors coach Gilbert Nyamutsamba says his team has done all they can and now it’s up to the players to perform on the day.
“We have done the best that we can, and we promise our fans a good game. It won’t be an easy game, it’s a derby but we will fight, the boys are ready for it. The spirits are high in camp, they are all looking forward to the game and it’s now up to the players to give their all in the field of play. I urge all fans to come out in numbers and witness a good game of rugby,” Nyamutsamba said.
Adding to the excitement, the Zimbabwe senior men’s national rugby team, the Sables, will be in attendance. Their visit is part of a meet-and-greet with fans and will include members of the technical staff and players. This presence is a massive boost for local players hoping to catch the attention of the national selectors.
BMRFB secretary and tournament director George Hlatshwayo highlighted the significance of their attendance.
“This will motivate some of our players, it gives them the zeal to fight when they play in front of the national team technical side. We are looking forward to concluding this league on a high. We have finals in both men and women’s divisions as well as third place play-offs. It’s going to be a good day for rugby and we are looking forward to seeing everyone at Hartsfield,” said Hlatshwayo.
In the supporting matches, Mahogany Bulls and Panthers will contest the third-place play-off in the men’s division. The women’s final also promises to be a thrilling affair, with Warriors Ladies facing off against Panthers.
The Warriors secured their final spot with a 17-0 win over Bulldogs, while Panthers edged out Highlanders 10-5 in a close contest. Highlanders and Bulldogs will battle for third place.
Entry to the grounds for this rugby festival is priced at just US$1.
BMRFB Archer Clothing Rugby
League finals fixtures
Third Place Play-Offs
Highlanders (Ladies) vs Bulldogs (12PM), Panthers (men) vs Mahogany Bulls (12.30PM)
Finals
Warriors (Ladies) vs Panthers (2PM), Old Miltonians (men) vs Warriors (3PM).
