Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE 2025 Grid Cup is done and dusted, and for the most part, the tournament will likely be remembered as a success.
Junior Sables graduate Benjamin Pattendon and Taddy “Boxer” Dzandiwandira put up a blinder of a performance as the duo helped Sun Rays to a 38-34 victory over the Impis in a hugely entertaining final played at Harare Sports Club over the weekend.
Sun Rays got their tries from Boxer, skipper Dion Khumalo, winger Takudzwa Francisco, Andrew Rinomhota and Pattendon.
They got their extras from a drop goal from Dzandiwandira while Pattendon converted two conversions and a penalty.
In response, Impis got on the score sheet courtesy of tries by Takudzwa Zvomuya, flyhalf Tatenda Kamubvumbi, fullback Benoni Nhekairo, Liberty Sibanda and Takudzwa Kamucheta.
Benoni added three conversions and a penalty.
The score-line could have been a bit different had it not been for some errand kicking from both sides with Pattendon, Dzandiwandira and Nhekairo missed a couple of clear-cut chances to add to their tallies.
Pattendon missed two conversions while Boxer missed one for the champions.
On the other end, Nhekairo missed two conversions that could have seriously altered the outcome of the match.
Still, the Sun Rays managed to hold on to their slender four-point lead and claim the inaugural edition of the Grid Cup undefeated.
For Impis head coach, Bob Mahari, said the Sun Rays rightfully deserved to win.
“Sunrays have been on the top side throughout the tournament, winning all their four games, and today (Saturday) I think you saw why,” said Mahari.
“They know how to win the big games and we just came short. I think we played hard, maybe not smart, but we played hard.
“We can’t fall to the heart, but the execution was not up to scratch as we gave away a lot of bonus tries,” he said.
Mahari went on to single out Pattendon and Dzandiwandira as the real game-changers on the day.
“We wanted to play rugby in their half, but they executed playing in ours better,” he said. “Benji and Boxer literally bossed us around the park.
“They kicked well, whether it was into space or into the contestables.
“We were just kicking it down their throat and you can’t do that with quality opposition.
“You can’t keep giving them opportunities and expect not to be punished.
“In the last 20 or so minutes we went into their 22, maybe 6 or 7 times, we got two tries. At this level, you’ve got to cash in.
“They got into our box three times and scored three times.
“That tells you the story, they were just more clinical than we were,” he said.
Sunrays skipper Dion Khumalo was beaming with pride as his charges managed to lift the cup in some style.
They did so without tasting defeat during the month-long tournaments.
“I think to finish with four wins out of four games means a lot to us,” said Khumalo.
“We played every game like it was a final and I am really proud of the boys for showing such fight and consistency.
“Credit to Impis, they didn’t start very well losing their first game but fought to make it here (final).
“Well done to them and well done to the boys from our side. “It was a very tight final, as seen by the scoreline,” he said.
The organisers of the tournament from Kyros Sports have refused to call this an ‘inaugural’ edition, preferring to use the term “pilot” as bigger and better things to come in the future.
Still, that didn’t stop the players, coaches and fans from enjoying the month-long tournament.
“What a tournament,” said Mahari.
““If you look at our team, we literally brought people together.
“We had eight or nine guys from Bulawayo, two guys from Chinhoyi and two more from Mutare. “We even had players from Marondera, talk about bringing people together
“It has been an incredible journey and a great tournament.
“We are grateful for that.”
Khumalo also weighed in with his thoughts on the tournament.
“This was a great initiative and a good tournament, but we need more teams in the future editions.
“Maybe six or something, so we can make it more like a proper league.
“After the Paramount league, we can play the Grid Cup and have more rugby action.
“I feel like four teams was just a trial and error, but it was a good try-out.
“We had a lot of players that didn’t get time to play or they were not selected, so if we add two more teams to make it six, or even eight, it would give everyone a fair shake to play and participate,” he said.
