adminPaul Munyuki Sports Reporter
FOR the third time in four weeks, leaders Old Georgians and second-placed Old Hararians will once again clash as the battle for honours resumes in the Harare Province Rugby League.
The Old Boys are only hoping for a miracle.
Over the last two weeks, the league had taken a break to make way for the Gold Cup qualifiers and this also coincided with a mid-season mark.
The unbeaten Old Georgians dominated both encounters, first with a 29-6 win in Week 5 of the league games before they registered a 39-17 win in the final of the Gold Cup qualifier last weekend.
With each passing week, life has been getting miserable for the Old Boys as injuries take their toll and, at least, six players have been ruled out while two others are doubtful leaving caretaker-coach Tichafara Makwanya in a tight spot.
“We can only hope for a miracle because we are in a tight spot,” said Makwanya.
Towering lock Constantine “Costa” Dinha, front rower Tatenda Murwira, versatile backliner Gerald Sibanda, Courtney Mwatsiya, Daniel Nhepera and Cleopas Makotose have been ruled out due to injuries while Tangai Nemadire is doubtful.
This leaves Makwanya — who three weeks ago was ruled out for six weeks in a league game against the Dragons — with no option but to go with the fringe players he has at his disposal in the absence of coach Cyprian “Supa” Mandenge.
Old Hararians have only lost to the Dragons this season but Makwanya knows the Grant Mitchell-side will come with all guns blazing given they are preparing for the Gold Cup main competition.
However, the former Young Sables fly-half feels this is a chance to expose the young players they have.
Online Reporter