Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
AS Zimbabwe marks Unity Day this coming Monday, rugby enthusiasts in Bulawayo will have a fitting way to celebrate the national holiday with a high-profile clash at the city’s ceremonial home of the game, Hartsfield Rugby Grounds.
The city’s newest outfit, Raiders Rugby Club, are set to host Botswana’s Great North in what promises to be a lively Unity Day encounter.
Monday’s match will be Raiders’ first competitive 15s outing since the club’s formation in September.
They made their local debut earlier this year in the 2025 Bulawayo Metropolitan Rugby Football Board (BMRFB) Archer Clothing Sevens Series and are yet to play a competitive 15s fixture.
Speaking to Zimpapers Sports Hub, Raiders Rugby Club chairperson Silethokuhle “Slater” Ndlovu said preparations are on track and the team is eager to show the local rugby community what they are about.
Ndlovu said the match also marks the beginning of their build-up towards the 2026 BMRFB Archer Clothing Rugby League season, where Raiders will make their debut in the city’s 15s championship.
“We are busy with the preparations and our numbers in training have been good. The boys have really pulled through and are looking forward to it. The team is ready, they are raring to go and this will be a good way of spending Unity Day. We just can’t wait to play our first 15s game — it’s like our first day of school. We are excited to see what Monday has in store for us.
“This game on Monday will play a huge role in our preparation for the 2026 season. People will know about Raiders — the new boys in the city. But as much as we are a new team, we are not new to rugby. All of us here have been involved with the sport for a long time,” said Ndlovu.
Bongani Ndlovu