Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo recently in Jwaneng, Botswana
LOCAL rugby powerhouse Matabeleland Warriors flexed their might with a dominant performance that saw them win the 2025 Jwaneng Independence Rugby Sevens tournament held at Jwaneng Rugby Club in Botswana at the weekend.
The Bulawayo-based side proved a class above all their opponents at the invitational tournament, completing an invincible campaign that saw them convincingly win all their matches to claim the top honours.
Warriors faced local favourites, the University of Botswana (UB) Rhinos in the final and beat them 22-5.
Warriors, who secured a walkover victory over Mahogany Bulls in the semi-finals drew first blood in the final with Tafara Dewa scoring a try, making it 5-0 in favour of the Bulawayo giants who missed the conversion.
UB Rhinos clawed back into the match and levelled matters with a try moments later to make it 5-5, missing their conversion.
Dewa was to steal the show again, with a brilliantly played out try to make it 10-5 for Warriors.
They went into the half time break leading 10-5 and moments after the start of the second stanza, Dewa completed his hat-trick with yet another try which, all but, sealed the game for Warriors who had already put one hand on the trophy.
Nqobani Lintini scored Warriors’ last try of the match with Brian “Carter” Dube putting the icing on the cake with a conversion, completing a dominant show.
Speaking after their impressive win, head coach Ruben Kumpasa said he was pleased with the way the team played, also crediting the women’s team for a resilient performance, which saw them finish in third place.
“We were invited to the tournament, both men and women’s teams. We had just ended the 15s season and preparing to get into Sevens so it was a good opportunity for us as a club and the men’s team did well, winning all the games, including the final.
“The boys played well, I am proud of them and their achievement, it set the tone for the upcoming local Sevens league.
“The ladies also did well, they lost in the semi-final and went on to win the third-place play-off match. It was a very successful tournament and I am extremely proud of both our teams, they showed true Warrior heart,” said Kumpasa.
The men’s team captain Tarisai Mugariri also said he was proud of the team.
“I am proud of the boys, they played all the games with heart and passion.
“We did well to win the tournament, and we extend our gratitude to the organisers for the invitation,” he said.
Team manager, Melford Matarirano also expressed gratitude to the tournament organisers for the invite and the hospitality.
“I am proud of both our teams, the boys went all the way to win the championship while the girls fell short, but at the end of the day, good rugby was displayed. As a club, we thank the organisers for the invite and for taking care of us throughout the duration of the tournament.
“With this one done, our focus now shifts to our local Sevens League which gets underway on Saturday.
“I wish all our teams the best of luck in the local league,” said Matarirano.
The local Bulawayo Metropolitan Rugby Football Board (BMRFB) Archer Clothing Sevens League is scheduled to get underway at Hartsfield Rugby Grounds on Saturday. Fixtures are yet to be confirmed.
