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HARARE Sports Club rugby coach, Daniel Hondo, commended last Saturday’s spirited performance by Mutare Sports Club after the Shumbas went down 50-10 to the flawless log leaders.The former Sables and Cheetahs player-coach said despite the Mutare sides’ defeat, the level of play they displayed proved they were a team not to underrate.
“MSC is improving with each year. This was a good match and each year the team is getting better. I feel if juniors keep being nurtured at the club, the bulk of them will soon make the cut for the national team.
“MSC is one of the teams we never underrate in the league because they always play with heart and passion especially at their home ground,” said Hondo.
Sportivo, as the HSC is fondly called remain the undefeated log leaders after completing the first round of the topflight league last Saturday.
The Mutare Shumbas conceded most of the tries in the first half which ended 26 -0. The second half saw the visitors only managing to put in three tries whilst the host placed in two tries.
A better defensive and attacking game was displayed by the Shumbas in the second half, but unfortunately the Sportivo defence was impenetrable to maximise points ending the match 50-10.
Tomorrow (Saturday) the Mutare Shumbas will, however, take on the debutants, Old Johanians in Harare to complete their first round matches.
The match kicks off at 12.30pm. The rest of the teams will be on byes.
The match against the OJS is expected to be fireworks with both teams gunning for maximum points to end the first round on fourth place.
MSC coach, Mackenzie Munetsi, said although they lost he was impressed with how the team was shaping up.
He added that he was also impressed by the turnout at practise for the HSC match and encouraged other interested local players to come on board.
Munetsi said hope was not yet lost for the Mutare side to write its own history this season and defeat the league giants, Sportivo, Old Hararians and Old Georgians.
“I am actually seeing promises this season to spring a surprise and overthrow the league favourites.
“Each year we are improving and the drive is to get more youthful, fast legs into the team. It is also encouraging that new faces are turning up each week for practise,” said Munetsi.
Online Reporter