adminThe Red Lions start their title defence with a rather easy assignment on home ground as they host Gweru Sports Club in the main match of the day at Sports Club.
That game will be preceded by the clash between Old Hararians and Old Miltonians at the same venue at 1pm .
Having managed to retain most of the players who led them to the championship last year, the Red Lions, however, lost the services of coach Cyprian “Supa” Mandenge, his assistant Derek Chiwara and the playing duo of Samson Makuku and prop Raymond Dzvairo to bitter rivals Old Hararians.
Fullback Cleopas Makotose also left to join Matabeleland Warriors.
But Sables international centre Hondo feels these changes are not going to have any major negative impact on their title defence as they still have the bulk of the players from last year’s side. Seasoned coach Nsikelelo “Sykes” Sibanda with whom Sports Club won the championship is also still around and will be itching to reclaim the title.
“That (the departures) is not going to have a huge effect on us because there are a lot of senior players that we still have. On the technical side Supa (Mandenge) was with us and he helped us here and there but we also have Blessing Chiutare and Sykes (Sibanda) who were part of the technical team last year and that makes me feel we have what it takes,” said Hondo.
Hondo who is also a key member of the national Sevens side — the Cheetahs — has so much trust in the up and coming players in the Sportivo ranks and feels these young players will help drive Sports Club to greatness especially in tough times.
Some of the experienced players who are expected to lead the Lions pack include Jakov Jakov, Tangai Nemadire and Kudakwashe Kambasha while an array of juniors are also expected to be fielded today.
“Having these young players in the team gives us more energy and with the guidance of the senior players we hope they will get into the right direction.”
Hondo’s main concern is that Harare Sports Club have not been involved in a “satisfying” number of friendly games but in the few that Gweru Sports Club played, they showed huge signs of disappointment having lost 7-82 to Old Hararians last week. In the season opening game, Old Hararians will be hoping for a good start despite missing some players during last week’s friendly against Gweru but Mandenge is optimistic his side will conquer against Old Miltonians.
“They have played more games than us because we have only played two games and they have been involved in a tournament in Zvishavane among others and that puts them in a better shape than us,” said Mandenge.
OMs coach, George “Rollo” Mukorera, knows that they are not going to have it easy but indicated they were ready to spring a “surprise” for Old Boys.
Mukorera believes that winning the Zimbo Cup pre-season tournament has boosted his players confidence ahead of their assignment this afternoon.
“It’s going to be a tough match as we are going to be up against the second best team in the country, but we will be going all out to surprise them.
Fixtures:
Harare Sports Club v Gweru Sports Club (Sports Club 3.30pm), Old Hararians v Old Miltonians (Harare Sports Club), Zvishavane Bulls v Old Georgians (McAdams Rugby Grounds 3pm), Mat’land Warriors v Western Panthers (3.30pm).
Online Reporter