Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE stage is set for another thrilling weekend of action in the 2025 Bulawayo Metropolitan Rugby Football Board (BMRFB) Archer Clothing Rugby League, with teams gearing up for Round 4 at Hartsfield Rugby Grounds on Saturday.
A total of five matches will be played at the ceremonial home of rugby — two in the women’s championship and three in the men’s championship division.
The day’s action kicks off with Highlanders Women taking on Matabeleland Lions at 12:00, followed by a clash between Matabeleland Warriors and Western Suburbs Panthers Women just 30 minutes later.
In the men’s championship, the first fixture sees the wounded Bulldogs face Mahogany Bulls at 13:00. Bulldogs head coach Newman Hlatshwayo is expecting a tough encounter but remains confident his side can secure their first win of the season.
“We’ll make some changes from the team that played the previous game. We expect to win this one — the boys are confident.
We just need to stay focused, take each game as it comes, and improve our forwards play, which has been our weak point. But we’re ready,” said Hlatshwayo.
Following that, former champions Matabeleland Warriors will lock horns with the black-and-white army, Highlanders. Warriors’ team manager Melford Matarirano said preparations have gone well, though he anticipates a stern test from Highlanders.
“Everything is on course. We’ve had good practice sessions, although we haven’t had the best game-time preparation.
We’re coming off a tough match and we know Highlanders are no pushovers. We’re not taking this lightly. We’ve got a solid game plan and a mix of youth and experience in the squad,” said Matarirano.
Highlanders coach Silethokuhle ‘Slater’ Ndlovu echoed the sentiment, promising a spirited performance regardless of the result. “It won’t be an easy game, but we’ll give it our all. We’ll play our best rugby and make everyone proud. They’ve got experience — some of their players have been together for five years — but we won’t make it easy for them,” said Ndlovu.
The final match of the day features defending champions Old Miltonians (OMs) against a bruised but determined Panthers side.
Bongani Ndlovu