adminMatabeleland Warriors, Western Panthers and Old Miltonians are the city’s trio competing in the league.
Matabeleland Warriors secured a home semi-final against Old Georgians while Western Panthers who had an awful 2011 season where they finished just a place above relegation ended their 2012 campaign on fifth.
Mangezi said at the beginning of the season the MRFB met the clubs to strategise on how best Bulawayo could regain its place as a rugby powerhouse.
“We are over the moon with Matabeleland Warriors’ achievement as well as how Western Panthers and Old Miltonians performed in the league. One of our targets at the beginning of the season was to prove that Bulawayo is still a rugby powerhouse and what Matabeleland Warriors have done in terms of bringing a semi-final to Hartsfield is phenomenal.
“Now that we saw Western Panthers ending the season just a place out of a semi-finals slot, next season we will be vying for two slots in the last four. We want to see the sport develop across the province and we are grateful to the technical guys that have been helping at all clubs,” Mangezi said.
A full house is expected at Hartsfield Stadium, the ceremonial home of rugby on Saturday when star-studded Matabeleland Warriors play host to Old Georgians.
A victory for the Bulawayo side will see them set a final date against the winner of the other semi-final between title favourites Harare Sports Club and Old Hararians.
Harare Sports Club, who only lost one game against Matabeleland Warriors, ended the season at the top of the log with 65 points and if they lose in the Battle of the Capital and Matabeleland Warriors win, Bulawayo fans will be in for a treat as the final will be played in Bulawayo.
At the weekend Matabeleland Warriors gaffer Ruben Kumpasa said they were going for the Cup. “We will play our hearts out and go all the way to the final. Even if the final is in Harare we are going to win it,” Kumpasa said.
derick.khumalo
Online Reporter