adminRicky Zililo Sports Reporter
BULAWAYO rugby enthusiasts are in for a treat this afternoon as Hartsfield Stadium will play host to three potentially explosive National Rugby League matches.
It will be a fun filled day for the sport lovers and they must brace themselves for an exciting day. Ambitious Western Panthers will be the first to take to the field when they meet former champions Old Georgians.
George Mukorera, the Western Panthers gaffer said they are ready for their opponents.
“They can underrate us at their own peril. We know they are a good side with a number of experienced players but we are ready.
“We go into the game as underdogs and I think pressure will be on them. What we simply do is to make sure that we use our strength and try to keep the ball and also restrict them to their half,” said Mukorera.
Old Georgians who are second on the log with 40 points and trail leaders Old Hararians by nine points have in their line up the Sevens trio of Jacques Leitao, Fortune Chipendo and Mike Morris, who were away in Moscow for the Rugby World Cup Sevens.
The Western Panthers’ gaffer said their strength is on the backline which has the likes of Kudakwashe Chimukuyu, Ntandoyenkosi Ndlovu, ex-Goshawks player Busani Ncube, Elijah Mugadza and scrumhalf George Nhlalo.
They also have upcoming star Irvine Nduwa who has been a vital cog in their campaign and will welcome some of their key players who missed last weekend’s 10-10 draw against city rivals Old Miltonians.
Former Cheetahs player Silethokuhle ‘Slatter’ Ndlovu, Masimba Musiyapinda, Zenzele Ncube, Tichaona Mupamadzi, Johnstone Guro and Simba Jowa are some of Western Panthers players who missed the Old Miltonians match.
The second match of the day is the Old Miltonians-Zvishavane Bulls encounter.
Old Miltonians are expected to easily sail past their opponents.
Defending champions Harare Sports Club will clash with Matabeleland Warriors in the big match of the day.
Fixtures
Today: Western Panthers v Old Georgians (Hartsfield, 1pm), Old Miltonians v Zvishavane Bulls (Hartsfield, 2:30pm), Matabeleland Warriors v Harare Sports Club (Hartsfield, 4pm), Gweru Sports Club v Old Hararians (2:30pm)
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