Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
IF there were any lingering doubts about Bulawayo’s love for rugby, they were emphatically answered at Hartsfield Rugby Grounds on Saturday afternoon when Zimbabwe hosted Zambia in the second instalment of the Battle of the Zimbabwe.
Seven years after last hosting an international match, the spiritual home of Zimbabwean rugby was transformed into a sea of colour, noise and unwavering passion.
The crowd was repaid in good fashion by the in-form Sables, who secured a hard-fought 17-7 win over Zambia.
“A day like this was special for Bulawayo, it’s not just a game of rugby or folks coming out to have a good time. It’s an issue of preservation of heritage, Hartsfield is the home of rugby, and we are grateful for the Sables for coming back home, to where the heritage of rugby is. It was about bringing back the rich heritage of rugby in Bulawayo,” said Bulawayo Metropolitan Rugby Football Board (BMRFB) chairperson Carrington Busili.
“ . . . I was asking for 4 000 people, and they did more. Well done Bulawayo, thank you so much for coming out, we have preserved the heritage, and we will continue to build on it. “This is a ground where the All Blacks lost, that’s a piece of history we need to continue building on and preserving. It was a tight game today, but atleast the guys brought it home, they stepped up. Bulawayo came out, it was great to see, well done to the city, I am proud of you.”
Saturday’s victory completed a Battle of Zambezi double for the Sables who won last week’s opener 41-31 at Harare Sports Club.
Sables captain Hilton Mudariki was charmed by the crowd at Hartsfield.
“ . . . For us to come out here and play, and see the crowd turn out like this, supporting the Sables, there is nothing more special. I am truly grateful for the people of Bulawayo for coming out and supporting us and being on our side. We truly appreciate it, and long may this continue, long may many games come to Bulawayo our spiritual home,” said Mudariki.
