adminThe Bulawayo Under-20 Select will be in Durban from 9 to 22 February where they will play two matches against developmental clubs, Sharks Academy and Harlequins.
Matabeleland Rugby Football Board vice-chairman Sean Robinson said they had by yesterday raised $7 000 and were hoping to have to raised the difference by Monday.
“We have approached a number of corporate bodies and they have promised to assist. The money is meant to cover accommodation, transport and meals for the players and officials. Most of the players who are in the team cannot afford to pay for their travel that is why
we are appealing to well-wishers to assist. We have a number of talented players who have a bright future in rugby and they need to be assisted,” Robinson said.
Turning to preparations, Robinson said all was going according to plan and the final squad was set to be announced on Saturday.
The players were identified from the Zimbo Under-20 Cup competition, which ended last weekend and was won by Busters.
Robinson said as the technical team they were happy with the players’ state of preparedness.
“The players have been training hard and I believe we have a competitive group but unfortunately we have to take 22 players to South Africa. The players that we are taking for the KwaZulu Natal tour are those that turned 19 years old on 1 January or younger. We are going for an amateur competition and these players will get a chance to market themselves to clubs in South Africa,” said Robinson.
Former national Under-19 star Biselele Tshamala and Bradley Takawira are in their second year in Durban where they are playing for the Sharks Academy.
Robinson facilitated their moves on behalf of the MRFB last year.
Players like Western Panthers’ Irvine Nduwa, Busters’ trio of Brian Dube, Dexter Mutete and Shingirai Musarurwa were part of last season’s senior team that competed in the National Rugby League. Lawrence Clemenson, Kudakwashe Takawira, Ryan Kent and Young De Klerk are some of the players expected to represent Bulawayo in Durban.
Online Reporter