Grant Mitchell takes over at Dragons

By Mbachi Mutukula-Maregere
CHAMPIONS District Dragons are set to begin the defence of their title this year under new coach Grant Mitchell who takes over from Brighton Chivandire.
Mitchell, who is one of the experienced players at the club, will start work this evening when he conducts his first training session at Old Georgians.  
“I am looking forward to the training today. Douglas Trivella will also be assisting in the coaching. We met the players during their social training to plan for the season.
“We discussed our expectations and the players also poured out their expectations to us. They were 25 players present,” said Mitchell.
Districts, who won the title last year under Chivandire, have vowed to retain the championship as they begin preparations for the new rugby season set to begin next month.
The Harare giants lifted their second rugby league title when they scored a late try in the extra minutes of the match to seal a 33-26 win against former champions Harare Sports Club.
District will start training today at 5:30pm at Old Georgians Sports Club.
The club’s captain Jacques Leitao yesterday said they have started training at a good time under a new coach.
They will also welcome three new players in youth internationals Simba Gonese, Tatenda Jakarasi and Simba Mandioma while they have retained the bulk of their squad from last season.
“We had a good turnout last week during our social training and most of the old players were present.
“We had three new Under-19 players who pitched up and I am confided that we are going to train harder this season.
“Wining the title was not easy. It was because of our hard work, so this season we are going to train even harder. I am confident that we will retain the title again,” said Leitao.