Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
RUGBY fever is set to grip Bulawayo this Saturday as fierce rivals Highlanders and Western Suburbs Panthers lock horns in what promises to be a high octane Week Two clash of the Archer Clothing Rugby League at Hartsfield Rugby Grounds.
With bragging rights on the line, both sides are fired up for one of the most exciting fixtures on the Bulawayo Metropolitan Rugby Football Board (BMRFB) calendar.
Panthers dominated the rivalry last season, winning two of their three encounters, including a crucial third place playoff. They kick off their 2024 campaign this weekend after sitting out on a bye in the opening round.
Highlanders, on the other hand, are licking their wounds from a humbling 79–8 loss to defending champions Old Miltonians (OMs) last week. Determined to bounce back, the black and white army will be desperate to set the record straight.
It’s a match that neither team can afford to take lightly, and local rugby fans have been urged to turn out in numbers to witness the action.
Highlanders coach Silethokuhle “Slater” Ndlovu said his squad is gearing up for a fight and warned Panthers won’t have it easy this time. The team resumed training early in the week, and Ndlovu has embraced their underdog status.
“Our numbers haven’t been great, but we’ll work with what we have,” said Ndlovu. “We have a youthful side, and my hope is to see these boys giving everything on the field.”
He added: “We’ve already started preparing for the game, the boys are raring to go. Our previous match against OMs should help us improve. Last year, Panthers had the edge, so we’re going in as underdogs looking for revenge. I assure you, they won’t win. The boys are motivated and training hard. It won’t be an easy game.”
Panthers coach George “Rollo” Mukorera agreed that a win won’t come easy but expressed confidence in his side’s readiness for the derby.
“It’s a tough game, not just another fixture, it’s a Bulawayo derby,” Mukorera said.
“We have a youthful side. Some of the boys played in the Under-20 Championship, but they understand the intensity of top-flight rugby.”
He added: “We’ll give Highlanders a run for their money. Despite their loss, they played well against OMs, so we’re aware of the threat they pose. Going into this match, we’ll be banking on our backline, they’re our biggest strength.”
In other matches scheduled for Saturday, Old Miltonians will be eyeing another dominant performance when they face Bulldogs.
Bulldogs failed to turn up for their opening match against Matabeleland Warriors, resulting in a 20–0 walkover.
Beyond the men’s championship games, Buffaloes take on Matabeleland Lions in the A League. Schoolboy rugby also features, with Milton clashing against Churchill in a high-profile showdown.
In the women’s division, Warriors face Lions while Bulldogs will be up against Highlanders. – @brandon_malvin
