Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema
Zimpapers Sports Hub
HEAD coach Bob Mahari was the picture of composure as his Impis outfit prepare for the Sables Lager rugby Grid Cup final against Sun Rays at Harare Sports Club this weekend.
The seasoned gaffer has refused to put his charges under any unnecessary ahead of the inaugural tournament, which is part of Zimbabwe’s preparations for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
For Mahari, the tournament has been God-sent, and he will be merely happy to impart some knowledge to his players rather than concentrate on adding another notch under his illustrious belt.
“I think this tournament has surpassed everyone’s expectations,” said Mahari.
“Just look at the overwhelming response we had registration. We expected, maybe, 150 players in total but everyone wanted to take part and we were forced to extend the registration period.
“While we didn’t get the ideal start we all wanted, everyone eventually got into the groove and we have since seen some four-odd weeks of competitive rugby.
“While winning the whole tournament would be ideal, it is not the main goal.
“The hope is that the charges under my care leave the tournament and return to their clubs as better players.
“The hope is that I have made some form of impact on their careers and that they have learnt one of two more things during our time together, whether it be technical aspects of the game or formation,” he said.
The Sables Lager Grid Cup features a fresh approach to squad formation that deviates from traditional club affiliation.
Four teams — the Valley Blades, Ngunis, Sun Rays, and Impis — were assembled through a draft system, similar to those seen in major American sports leagues like the NBA and NFL.
This method was aimed at creating balanced, highly competitive squads across the board, ensuring a thrilling four weeks of rugby action.
While four teams started the tournament, now only two remain and these are Mahari’s Impis and Sun Rays, who are under the guidance of Malvin Chirume.
The two coaches will have a battle of wits on Saturday as their teams clash at Harare Sports Club with the winner of the match earning the right to call themselves the inaugural Grid Cup champions.
“We have already put our names in the history books by being the inaugural Grid Cup finalists alongside Sun Rays,” said Mahari.
“Now, all that is left is for the boys to get onto the field, apply and express themselves.
“We are as healthy as we have ever been with the only casualty being our forward Nyasha Ngwarati, who sustain a knock on his knees during the round robin stages.
“It is not too serious and had hoped he would be fit enough for the final.
“However, we have decided not to risk it, and he will not be part of our team on Saturday,” he said.
The nature of the format of the tournament has also been a challenge with the Impis squad coming from across the country.
“Yeah, it has been a challenge.
“We players coming from Harare, Bulawayo, Mutare and even Chinhoyi, so assembling as a group has been challenge.
“We have been forced to think outside the box and be creative in how we prepare.
“We have brought a couple of guys to train with the Bulawayo guys while concentrate on the Harare players.
“We have also been in touch with the guys from the other bases, monitoring their progress.
“Hopefully, everything works out come Saturday when we assemble as a group and play in the final.
“There will be no excuses from us, come final day,” he said.
