Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, [email protected]
THE country’s traditional home of rugby, Hartsfield Rugby Grounds was, on Wednesday afternoon, the centre of attraction as Zimbabwe men’s national Under-20 team, the Junior Sables faced off with Queensland Outback Barbarians from Australia.
For a midweek encounter, there was a good crowd at the home of rugby to rally behind the Junior Sables who emerged as 39-33 victors.
Bulawayo Metropolitan Rugby Football Board (BMRFB) chairperson, Carrington Busili expressed his gratitude to everyone who put in the work to ensure that everything was in place and up to standard. Busili said they are proud to have, once again, hosted a national team in which the end result was also a positive one.
“Bulawayo is always a rugby hub. Historically, this is where the greatest history is, All Blacks coming here and registering a loss here. We have always been a rugby hub. Hosting a national side match for the Junior Sables, having to have the guys register a win here is something that we are proud of as a nation. We are over the moon as Bulawayo Metropolitan because we are getting to rewrite our script in history as well.
“We are proud of the boys who played, and we are proud of the Bulawayo Metropolitan Rugby Board who made this day a success as well. It’s midweek and we had all of our main stands filled up. Imagine if it was a weekend, we probably would have filled up the whole space,” said Busili.
The Junior Sables came from 20-21 down in the first half to register a hard-fought win.
The match on Wednesday was also graced by the Mayor of Bulawayo, David Coltart who said given the history of Hartfield, it was pleasing to see a national side host an international team at the venue. He said he hopes that it signals the rebuilding of Zimbabwe Rugby and while adding that some touch-ups are needed at the venue.
“It’s wonderful to have an international match here in Bulawayo. It’s been far too long since we last had one. There is a lot of history attached to this ground in particular, it’s correct when it’s called the home and heart of Zimbabwe Rugby. If we think back to when our national team beat the All Blacks many years ago but that’s a recollection of the pride that we have in Zimbabwe Rugby.
“We hope that this signifies rebuilding Zimbabwe Rugby, it’s great to see this team win and play with such passion. But, we also need to rehabilitate this ground and get it up to international standards.
“Having been here, there is not a lot of work that needs to be done, the stadium is still in good condition, and the fences are in good condition.
“The main work that needs to be done is on the field itself, we may need to look at water and the field fertilisation and replanting of grass. But, that is not a lot of expense,” said Coltart. – @brandon_malvin
