adminThe win left the star-studded second-placed Bulawayo club six points behind the runaway leaders who are at the top with 45 points from 10 matches.
Matabeleland Warriors have an outstanding game against Western Panthers and judging by their weekend performance, they will collect maximum points when they clash in a city derby.
In a telephone interview yesterday, Rueben Kumpasa, the Matabeleland Warriors player/coach was elated with the victory and said they had set their sights on bringing the semi-final to Bulawayo.
“The top two teams will be at home for the semi-finals and we do not want to lose the opportunity of having one of those games being played in Bulawayo.
“We have worked hard to make sure that we come up with a formidable side capable of winning things and I don’t think after the character we showed against a strong Harare Sports Club there is anyone doubting our capabilities.
“We deserved to win that game and now that we have hit the right note, we will fight to either finish at the top or second on the log,” said Kumpasa.
He said the win also lifted his player’s spirits as they were more focused on winning their next encounters.
If Matabeleland Warriors manages to score at least four tries and beat Western Panthers in their outstanding game, they will move to a point behind the log leaders and nine above third placed Old Hararians.
As things stand, Matabeleland Warriors will be the only team from the Southern Region competing in the last four against Harare Sports Club, Old Hararians and former champions Old Georgians.
Kumpasa scored four tries with Mike Zvakavapano, Ozy Lynx, Audrey Dube and Percy Ncube getting a try each for Matabeleland Warriors while the visitors got theirs from Cleopas Makotose and Lenience Tambwira.
In the other game played at Hartsfield Stadium on Saturday, Western Panthers lost 22-32 to visiting Old Hararians while Old Miltonians picked maximum points at the Midlands capital where they beat Gweru Sports Club 22-5.
Old Miltonian’s coach Vusumuzi Ndebele was happy with his team’s performance.
“The youngsters are getting better with every game we play and I am happy with the way we have been playing of late.
“Like I said at the beginning of the season that we are re-building and next season we will definitely come stronger,” said Ndebele.
Results
Saturday: Western Panthers 22, Old Hararians 32; Matabeleland Warriors 29, Harare Sports Club 28; Old Georgians 102, Airforce 0; Gweru Sports Club 5, Old Miltonians 22
Online Reporter