OMs players relish Grid Cup experience

Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub

HISTORY will be made this Saturday when the first round of matches of the highly anticipated inaugural Sable Lager Grid Cup kicks off at Harare Sports Club.

The tournament is set to feature four teams: Impis, Ngunis, Valley Blades and Sun Rays. They will be captained by Kudzai Mashawi, Aiden Burnett, Hilton Mudariki and Dion Khumalo, respectively.

The Sable Lager Grid Cup is in partnership between Zimbabwe Rugby union (ZRU), Kyros Sports and the host province, Harare Rugby. This is also all in an effort to see the national team improve and build towards the 2027 World Cup, so they put their best foot forward while also increasing local competition.

Players were drawn across the country through a franchise system draft pick.
Local clubs in Bulawayo also enjoy a fair share of representation. The 2025 Bulawayo Metropolitan Rugby Football Board (BMRFB) Archer Clothing Rugby League champions Old Miltonians (OMs) will have five of their players taking part in the tournament.

Speaking to Zimpapers Sports Hub, they all outlined what it means to them to be a part of the history-making group of players.

Innocent Mthabisi Ncube:
The 27-year-old loose forward, set to play for Impis, said: “Being part of the Grid Cup means everything to me. It’s a chance to represent my team, push myself against strong competition and grow as a player. Old Miltonians have taught me discipline, resilience and teamwork and the Grid Cup is the perfect platform to put all of that into action. Every time I step onto the field, I play with pride, passion and a goal to leave it all out there.”

Anthony Kalubi:
The 23-year-old loose forward picked up by Impis had this to say: “Being part of the Grid Cup is an exhilarating experience. Being surrounded by professionals and talented individuals who share the same passion for the sport as you, working together towards a common goal, is something I’m looking forward to. The camaraderie and competitive spirit are pushing me to grow both physically and mentally.”

Tinevimbo Nyoni:
A 21-year-old tight-head prop, he will also be playing for Impis and had this to say: “Being part of the Grid Cup represents an incredible opportunity to compete alongside and learn from the top-tier athletes I admire and aspire to emulate. Collaborating with these exceptional players will not only elevate my game but also provide invaluable experiences and insights that will refine my skills and propel my rugby career to new heights.”

Isheunesu Gabriel Chinganga:
Playing lock and flank, the 21-year-old will also be turning out for Impis. This is what he said about the forthcoming tournament: “Being part of the Grid Cup is an honour. It’s more than just competition, it’s about proving myself, growing as a player and contributing to something bigger than me. Every moment in that field is a chance to make my team and community proud. It’s also a dream come true as I will be teaming up with the great enforcer, Kudzai Mashawi, who is one of my role models in rugby. Additionally, it’s a great opportunity for me to catch the eye of the Sables national team coaches and hopefully get involved in the set-up.”

Michael Chimedza:
The teenage outside center, 19, will be playing for the Valley Blades and this is what he had to say about the tournament: “It really is exciting to be part of the whole setup. As much as it’s a platform to showcase what I have to offer as a rugby player, it’s also a great opportunity for me as one of the younger players to play alongside and learn from the more experienced players; most of whom were part of the squad that opened the doors for Zimbabwe to qualify for the World Cup in 2027.

Above all, I’m truly honored to be one of the few selected into the draft and with that said, I’ll do my very best in every opportunity I get to jump into that park and be part of something greater than myself.”