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Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
WESTERN Panthers will be looking for a positive start in their title defence of the Zimbo Under-21 Rugby Cup when they take on Bulldogs at Hartsfield Grounds tomorrow.
The Zimbo Under-21 Rugby Cup is the Matabeleland Rugby Football Board (MRFB) season’s opener which will feature eight teams, six men and two women.
Panthers have been drawn in Pool A alongside Bulldogs and Nyambose in the five-week tournament. Pool B consists of Matabeleland Warriors, Old Miltonians and Kwekwe Rugby Club.
The two women’s are Nyambose and Bulldogs.
Thulani Tabulawa, the MRFB president, said they expect fierce competition in the men’s event.
“Everyone is excited about the start of the Zimbo Cup. This is a tournament where teams get to spot young blood, talent that is fresh from school. The players participating in this competition are school leavers, those who just finished school,” said Tabulawa.
After the Zimbo Cup, MRFB will switch over to Sevens rugby, with the hope of getting their players ready for national team trials.
The Cheetahs will later this year participate at the 2018 Sevens World Cup qualifiers.
Tabulawa said the MRFB Bulawayo League, the 15s, will kick-off in March and they are still waiting for the Zimbabwe Rugby Union to confirm the National Rugby League.
“If there’s no National Rugby League, we are going to continue with our MRFB Bulawayo League so that we keep our players busy,” said Tabulawa.
Zimbo Cup fixtures
Tomorrow: Nyambose v Kwekwe Rugby Club (12PM), Bulldogs Ladies v Nyambose Ladies (1:30PM), Western Panthers v Bulldogs (2PM), Matabeleland Warriors v Old Miltonians (3:40PM).
@ZililoR
Bongani Ndlovu