adminFORMER Sables flanker Alex Nicholls makes a return to the domestic scene when the Northern Rugby Super League gets underway today after he was signed by Old Johannians Sports Club as coach for the 2016 season. Harare Sports Club are hoping to have Young Sables assistant coach Bob Mahari for their game against Police Defenders in the absence of coach Daniel Hondo, who is away with the Cheetahs in Hong Kong.
However, former Old Hararians and Old Georgians coach, Nicholls has been confirmed and was last involved in club rugby over five years ago when he featured as an Old Georgians forward, more than a decade after the 57-year-old had quit playing the game.
OJ’s team manager Roger Woodward yesterday said Max Madziva, who was in charge of the Vainona-based club last season, indicated he would not be available due to business and personal commitments.
“Alex will be our coach this year because Max said he would not be available most of the times as he has some business matters to take care of and this is how we got to engage Nicholls and he will be our coach for this season.
“But he (Madziva) will be coming in as and when he is free to assist us here and there and he will also feature for us as a player,” said Woodward.
Among the top players they have signed are the backline duo of Takudzwa Kumadiro and Takudzwa Fransesco, who were a vital part of Sport Club last season.
OJ’s host former champions Old Hararians at ZB Sports Club.
“We are looking forward to the first round of games because we want to better the position we finished in last year and make sure that we do not concede the huge scores as was the case last year.
“The side is looking good, we have had a few training sessions with the new players and they are looking good,” said Woodward.
But Harare Sports Club, who are set to take on the Defenders, are yet to have a coach for today’s game given they have not signed an assistant to Hondo.
Sports Club chairman Donald “Brasco” Mangenje yesterday said Mahari and Shingi Mpofu will be on the bench for his side but the Churchill Bulldogs technical member said he does not have a contract with the Harare giants.
Fixtures:
Harare Sports Club v Police Defenders (1.20pm), Old Georgians Sports Club v Mutare Sports Club (2.40pm), Old Johannians v Old Hararians (4.10pm). — sportszone.co.zw
Online Reporter