Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
PITBULLS and Old Georgians showdowns have always been action-packed with blood-stopping tackles and super points under and over the horizontal bar completing the full package.
And Pitbulls coach Geoffrey Madhake is not expecting anything less when the two giants collide in the most anticipated fixture of the Paramount Garments Under-20 Premier League at Churchill School this afternoon.
The league is only three matches old but the two are already in a fierce supremacy fight with both winning all their opening three encounters.
Pitbulls are however enjoying their place at the top of the table courtesy of a points’ difference superiority.
But whoever loses today’s game will drop down to third if Old Hararians, who just like the pair are on 15 points manage to get a way past Zimbiru Titans at the same venue.
Madhake is aware of the threat posed by Old Georgians and the implication a defeat to his side will have on their log position.
“This is always a fierce fixture pitting two teams with a rich philosophy in terms of their general play and ambitions.
“This is a game between two very good teams with a lot of good players. These two always give out their best and you always ought to respect the duels,” said Madhake.
“I am expecting a very tough game because I know what Old Georgians can do. This is a team which has previously won the championship and obviously you ought to respect that. I think it will be a very tough high-level game.”
Madhake expressed confidence his team will come out with the maximum points from the much-anticipated face-off.
“I think we have adequately prepared for the game. We have been sharpening all the aspects of our game so that we would be in our best shape.
“Look, we have attended a lot to our line-outs, our forward play and everything else,” added Madhake.
“I believe if we can just focus well, we will be able to pump out a result. We are looking for nothing but just a good result.
“We know Old Georgians are never easy proponents. They are one of the toughest opponents to pit against in the league.
“So, we are just looking forward to a good but tough game.
“We have started the season well and it is our hope to continue doing what we have been doing.”
All roads will be leading to Churchill School for a promising day as several teams will be in action from morning until the pick of the crop showdown between Pitbulls and Old Georgians comes up at 4:30pm.
It is however a First Division tie featuring Horns and Hunters which will get the ball rolling with both clubs looking to get their season off to a flier.
The pair will be looking to win and catch-up with Chi-Town Crusaders and Glenwood Stars who have five points each to their names after taking turns to beat Pioneers.
Bindura Foxes, Horns RFC and Hunters are yet to play a game.
In the Women’s section, FS Raiders will also play Old Hararians.
Fixtures:
(All games at Churchill School)
Horns RFC v Hunters (D1)
Fs Raiders v Old Hararians (W)
Zimbiru Titans v Harare Sports Club (M)
Zimbiru Stars v Harare Sports Club (M)
Marondera Talons v Old Hararians (M)
Zambezi Steelers v Northern Chiefs (M)
Pitbulls v Old Georgians (M)
