Bulawayo overpower Manicaland

BULAWAYO Select managed to find their feet as they registered a comfortable win over the visiting Manicaland in an inter-provincial match that was played at Hartsfield Rugby Grounds on Saturday afternoon.

It was a packed house at the ceremonial home of rugby as the hosts registered a commanding 40-0 win over Manicaland.

Bulawayo dominated the game from the onset, looking the better of the two sides. They went into the half time break enjoying a 19-0 lead and they came back to add another 21 points in the second stanza to, once again, secure the bragging rights over their Manicaland counterparts.

Speaking after the comfortable victory, Bulawayo Select head coach, Nelson Madida said he was pleased with the way his charges played, adding that the culture that they are trying to instill within the players is starting to show.

Madida said their game against Zimbabwe A at the same venue in September was a wake-up call. He gave credit to their opponents for a good game.

“The game against Zimbabwe A was a good game, but again, a wake-up call. For me, the win is good but the culture is still growing, which is magnificent. This win will do a lot for the province, especially winning in front of their friends and families. We did the correct things in the first half, there are a few errors and niggles to work on, but I am happy. It was a good win.

“They are not a small team, respect to them, they actually play good rugby but today we turned up. It was teamwork that played the part. Working with coach Victor Chiwara. It was a matter of making sure we got the manpower and resources to do the job. It was crucial but again, the main goal wasn’t the scoreboard but the culture of the province.

“We get that by winning. This is a good foundation, it’s a first step and it’s a first big step, so now we are looking to get as much more game time as we can and make sure that our players are competent for the national team and we will get the pride back for the province,” said Madida.

Manicaland head coach, Armson Makumbe said they lost against a good team as they were outplayed in every aspect.

“Bulawayo was just on point. They played better rugby, better scrums and better line-outs.

“To be honest, as a coach, sometimes we try to complain, maybe blame the referee but today we can say, outright, they were the best team. They didn’t give any chances, they kept the ball and we didn’t get the opportunity to really put our game into play. So, overall, they were the best team today and we wish for the return leg in February in Mutare,” said Makumbe.

Saturday’s game was also graced by Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Manicaland, Advocate Misheck Mugadza who said that rugby and sport in general play a crucial role in taking the youths off drugs and substances, hence the need to support it.

He said rugby is a sport that is dear to him.

“Sport is the way to go. We have our children going into drugs and everything that is bad. But it’s because, really, we probably are not giving them enough support in the right things. So, rugby is one very popular sport that I personally support very much. Many people do not know that we are one of the best in Africa. You may never know that our strength as a nation is in rugby, so we need to support it. They always say concentrate on those things that you are good at so that you become tops.

“So, this is why you find me in these areas where our children are doing sports more often than not. I am actually a trustee at Mutare Sports Club, and I have been a president of that club for seven years before I became a trustee and that shows I love sport,” said Minister Mugadza.

Casper “Belt” Bandi, the manager of Manicaland said they knew that it was not going to be an easy outing at Hartsfield.

“It was a good game of rugby. Credit to the Bulawayo guys, they were up for it and were the better team on the day. The way they played, they deserved to win the game.

“We were not good with our set pieces, they were a bit bad and they capitalised on that. Whenever we made mistakes they punished us. But we also knew that it’s never easy to come down here and play at Hartsfield. We have never recorded a win against Bulawayo and we knew we were up for a tight game,” he said. — @brandon_malvin