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BULAWAYO’S only representatives in the last four of the National Rugby League, Matabeleland Warriors will meet Old Hararians in the semi-finals set for 28 September.The other semi-final match will see defending champions Harare Sports Club taking on Old Georgians.
Matabeleland Warriors stormed through to the last four on Saturday after beating struggling Zvishavane Bull 42-21 at MacAdam Rugby Field in Zvishavane.
Rueben Kumpasa, the Matabeleland Warriors’ coach was yesterday, full of praise for his charges and is confident that they are going to upset title favourites Old Hararians when they meet in a fortnight.
“The game against Zvishavane Bulls was more of a test of character for us because they (Zvishavane Bulls) had nothing to play for and we really wanted a victory to make sure that we proceed to the semi-finals. The good thing is that Old Hararians finished at the top of the log and we wanted to play them in the semi-finals because we think we have a chance to beat them.
“Old Hararians is the only team out of the top three that we lost to by a narrow margin which gives us hope that we can beat them,” said Kumpasa.
The last time Matabeleland Warriors played Old Hararians, the Bulawayo club lost 21-29. Kumpasa said they noticed that Old Hararians can succumb to pressure if they are put in a tight corner and for that reason, their game plan is to frustrate the Harare club and avoid losing the ball to their opponents.
He said he wants Old Hararians to chase after the ball. The former Sables player said some of Matabeleland Warriors’ South Africa-based players would be available for the semi-final.
“We will be having a full-strength squad and I am hoping to get all our players who are in South Africa for the semi-finals. Last year we lost in the final and this time around we want to lift the National Rugby League title and that is why we have communicated to our guys in South Africa that they must avail themselves for the Old Hararians game,” said Kumpasa.
Last season’s National Rugby League best forward Player of the Year Biselele Tshamala, Sanele “Smiley” Sibanda, Royal Mwale and Jan Ferreira are some of Matabeleland Warriors’ South Africa-based players.
Other Matabeleland Warriors’ players expected to be available for the crucial semi-final include captain Lloyd Machanjaire who has recovered from a broken finger, Cleopas Makotose, nation Sevens’ Lucky Sithole and Brian Dube.
Tapiwa “Endo” Mangezi who tore his knee ligament on national duty in Madagascar has been ruled out for the rest of the season.
There is also the experienced Ozzie Lynx and Kudzi Mutsekenyedzi who are expected to provide experience for the Bulawayo club.
Online Reporter