Chronicle Editor
Brandon Moyo
THE Bulawayo Metropolitan Rugby Football Board (BMRFB) has named a 28-member squad for the 2024 Zambezi Sevens Series scheduled for this weekend in Harare.
The players were selected from last Saturday’s tournament at Hartsfield Rugby Grounds, which featured Matabeleland Warriors, Old Miltonians, Panthers, Bulldogs, Highlanders, Gweru Sports Club, Nust and Zimbabwe School of Mines.
However, due to bad light, the final pitting Warriors and Panthers could not be played, but tournament organisers still selected what they felt were the best players to represent the province.
The selected players will be divided into two teams that will represent the province as Bulawayo Metropolitan and Zimbabwe South, according to the BMRFB.
The squad started training on Tuesday and will hold its last session in Bulawayo today ahead of their departure to the capital tomorrow.
Matabeleland Warriors contributed the most players in the squad with nine, while OMs have four and Panthers have seven. There are five players from Gweru Sports Club and three from Bulldogs.
Speaking to Zimpapers Sports Hub, Ncube said they are looking forward to competing in the tournament, which will be a good platform for players to express themselves.
“We are looking forward to the tournament. It’s always great to be part of Zambezi Sevens as the boys will get to play against good teams and learn. It’s also a chance for some to be seen for the national Sevens side. We hope to raise the money needed to cover expenses for accommodation, transport and meals for both teams,” said Ncube.
After the Harare tournament, players will return to their respective clubs in preparation for BMRFB’s Sevens league which will run for three weeks. There is also the Unforgettable Sevens tournament in November.
Bulawayo Metro Squad
Brian Dube (Warriors), Bradley Takawira (Warriors), Tawanda Takawira (Warriors), Exalted Tom (Warriors), Glen Maseko (Warriors), Spencer Dube (Warriors), Emmanuel Mazikana (Warriors), Keith Nyathi (Warriors), Vuyiswa Mpofu (Warriors), Justin Khumalo (OMs), Lawrence Mutakiwa (OMs), Babongile Ncube (OMs), Shaun (OMs), Tanaka Ndiraire (Panthers), Ntandoyenkosi Ndlovu (Panthers), Mbongeni Phiri (Panthers), Bongani Muzamba (Panthers), Thabo Ndlovu (Panthers), Brandon Ncube (Panthers), Bongani Moyo (Panthers), Shaun (Bulldogs), Takudzwa Sithole (Bulldogs), Tafadzwa Gonzo (Bulldogs), Tawanda Chikani (Gweru Sports Club), Tadiwa Ruvaro (Gweru Sports Club), Deon Wayne Mckenzie (Gweru Sports Club), Farai Anthony Kalubi (Gweru Sports Club), Joseph Mudzingwa (Gweru Sports Club)
— @brandon_malvin
Online Reporter