adminKusile Madlela Sports Reporter
THE Midlands-Matabeleland Rugby League kicked off on Saturday with four teams from Matabeleland locking horns. Western Panthers walloped Bulldogs 58-3, showing their prowess on the field despite missing key players from the starting line up, said George Mukorera their coach. “We went into the game determined to collect maximum points and I feel Bulldogs were not expecting us to give them a tough match. We were missing some key players like Simba Jowa and Manfred Msendo who are fighting injuries. I expect them to be fully recovered and back to action in the next couple of weeks,” said Mukorera.
Mukorera said the two sides were all composed of young players most of whom had been playing at the Dairibord Schools Rugby Tournament at Prince Edward a fortnight ago.
“The two teams are infused with young players like Thamsanqa Ncube and Newman Nhlalo who were both playing in the rugby schools tournament in Harare. I specifically point out Newman because he’s one player from Bulldogs who gave us all sorts of headaches.
“There’s big talent there and national team coaches will be looking out for him,” said Mukorera.
He said the league will include teams from Midlands who will be playing their games during the week.
“Gweru Sports Club, Masvingo and Shabanie will represent the Midlands. We’re working on drafting another team but that is still a development in the pipeline. As the Mid-Mat league we’re securing a sponsor and we hope to get confirmation during the week,” said Mukorera.
Results: Western Panthers 58-3 Bulldogs, Old Miltonians 17-34 Busters.
Online Reporter