Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, [email protected]
IN the golden era of Zimbabwean rugby, Bulawayo stood as the undisputed cradle of the sport, nurturing some of the nation’s most gifted players — names that resonate with legendary status in the country’s rugby annals. While international fixtures have become less frequent, the sport still commands a fervent following in the City of Kings and Queens. Contrary to persistent myths, rugby remains vibrant and beloved in the city.
Last year, when the Sables toured to face a provincial team, a powerful statement was made: Bulawayo remains the heart of Zimbabwean rugby, and Hartsfield — the hallowed ground where the Sables famously triumphed over the mighty All Blacks in 1947—– is still its spiritual home. This was followed by a compelling provincial clash against Manicaland.
On Wednesday, the Junior Sables hosted the Queensland Outback Barbarians from Australia at Hartsfield. Despite the midweek timing, a respectable crowd gathered at the venue.
These events, coupled with the lively and fiercely competitive domestic league (encompassing men’s and women’s first teams, as well as Under-20s), have kept the rugby spirit burning brightly. They serve to dispel the notion that “rugby is dead in Bulawayo.”
Week after week, fans continue to flock to Hartsfield in impressive numbers, regardless of the teams playing.
Carrington Busili, chairperson of the Bulawayo Metropolitan Rugby Football Board (BMRFB), asserts that claims of inactivity in Bulawayo are unfounded. They are actively working to reshape the narrative and write their own story.
“The idea that rugby is dying in Bulawayo is a myth. We’re now forging our own path, regardless of others’ perspectives, and correcting that misconception, building a fresh outlook within the rugby community,” Busili said.
He further expressed their ambition to host more national matches, with a particular focus on securing at least one Sables preparatory game before their journey to Uganda for the 2025 Africa Cup in July, which serves as a direct qualifier for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
“We’re eager to host more international fixtures. We’ve been in discussions with the ZRU. We’re committed to bringing rugby back to its heartland. We’re building on the momentum from last year, when we hosted Zimbabwe A and a provincial side, Manicaland. We began this year by hosting the Junior Sables, and we anticipate more games to come.
“All being well, we should secure at least one preparatory match for the Sables before their World Cup campaign. We’re bidding for one of those games. Our roadmap is progressing steadily, step by step,” Busili said.
Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU) president Losson Mtongwiza said that national team matches will continue to grace Bulawayo. He also hinted at a forthcoming national rugby league.
“I’m delighted that we’re not just talking, but acting. We pledged to bring international rugby to Bulawayo, and we’ve delivered. We aim to host two more international games before the year’s end Bulawayo boasts a vast talent pool. Consider Victor Olonga, Gilbert Nyamutsamba, and Silethokuhle ‘Slater’ Ndlovu – countless renowned players have emerged from Bulawayo, and there are many more to come.
“If we can establish our national league, which we’re currently developing, then numerous games will be hosted at Hartsfield. We’ll continue to revitalise Hartsfield and address any issues, but we’re very pleased. The crowd on Wednesday was excellent. The field looked reasonably good, and the teams were satisfied,” Mtongwiza.
Meanwhile, the BMRFB Archer Clothing Under-20 League concludes its round-robin stage today with five scheduled matches. The day commences with Matabeleland Lions facing Plumtree High School at 12:00 pm, followed by Bulldogs women against Plumtree High School at 1:00pm.
At 2:00pm, Bulldogs men will compete against Matabeleland Warriors. League leaders Western Suburbs Panthers will play Highlanders at 3:30pm, and the day’s headline match will feature defending champions Old Miltonians (OMs) against Christian Brothers College (CBC) Hornets at 4:45pm. — @brandon_malvin
