adminNgoni Dapira
THERE will be a rugby fiesta tomorrow (Saturday) at Mutare Sports Club when the Mutare Shumbas host debutants, Old Johanians in the Northern topflight league return match.
The match kicks off at 3pm.
OJS walloped the Mutare Shumbas 37-10 in the last away encounter, which will make the match entertaining with the hosts out to settle scores.
Mutare Shumbas last Saturday disappointingly lost 80-5 to defending champions, Old Hararians in the second-round opener.
MSC coach, Mackenzie Munetsi, said the Old Boys, as OH is fondly known, came-out full guns blazing and they were found lacking after travelling with a depleted side.
“OH, no doubt proved why they are defending champions last Saturday and I will not take that away from them.
“However, this was not the best performance from us. Away matches are always faced with technical hitches like travelling with a depleted side given that some key players would have work commitments and not be able to travel.
“I, however, remain optimistic about tomorrow’s match at home. I am sure we will give our home fans sweet victory,” said Munetsi.
The Mutare franchise currently sits at the bottom of the log in the new Super-Six league after losing last weekend’s match. OJS sit on position five followed by OH, Old Georgians and Harare Sports Club respectively.
In other topflight league matches last weekend, Police Defenders narrowly edged the hosts OJS, 36-29, a good enough reason to make OJS also fervent for victory tomorrow.
In the friendly encounter, OGS walloped visiting Zambian side, Mukushi 55-5. Tomorrow in the other topflight league matches there will be the ultimate clash of the giants when the defending champions take on HSC.
Sportivo won the last encounter.
OGS will take on Police Defenders in the other match.
MSC team chairman, Moss Kapuma said curtain raisers for the main match would be Hillcrest College playing against MSC Juniors match as well as touch rugby pitting select sides of veteran old boys. Kapuma said there would be plenty of other activities lined up during the day to make it a rugby jamboree.
“Apart from the developmental teams there will also be touch rugby with some of the veteran old boys displaying their heyday skills on the field.
“There will also be plenty of braai at Tomazh’s kitchen and various competitions with give-away prizes from exhibitors like Soclicat, Mutare Bottling Company, Halsteds, Kete and Power Strike,” said Kapuma.
Online Reporter