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Brandon Moyo
THE eagerly anticipated Bulawayo Metropolitan Rugby Football Board (BMRFB) Under-20 rugby league is set to officially get underway on February 8 at Hartsfield Rugby Grounds.
The league, initially meant to get underway last Saturday, was postponed for two weeks due to “logistical reasons”, as cited by tournament director, George Hlatshwayo.
Despite the delay, Hlatshwayo said the postponement offers clubs more time to prepare for what is going to be a long season. Other leagues, such as the Harare Metropolitan Under-20 league are already underway.
“The Under-20 league was temporarily put on hold due to logistical issues. This setback, however, gives clubs more time to prepare their teams and hopefully, it gives other teams an opportunity to confirm their participation,” said Hlatshwayo.
Hlatshwayo further added that the seven men’s teams and the three women’s teams that earlier confirmed their participation were still the ones set to play unless other teams also come forward.
Defending champions Old Miltonians (OMs) will face the challenge from Matabeleland Warriors, Highlanders, Bulldogs, Panthers and Matabeleland Lions from Gwanda in the 2025 edition of the league. With all the men’s clubs confirming, in the women’s division only Panthers, Highlanders and Bulldogs have affirmed their participation.
Not only will the tournament feature the six clubs but also a school team. Christian Brothers College (CBC) Hornets — who won the championship in 2023 are also lined up to compete in this campaign, becoming the seventh team.
The other four schools which were invited but are yet to confirm are Milton Elephants, Petra Spartans, Gifford Stingers and Founders High School.
After the conclusion of the Under-20 league, the Archer Clothing Rugby League is set to get underway soon after with OMs also starting the season defending champions after beating Warriors in an enthralling final last year.
The first-half of the league games will be played on the Hartsfield Rugby Grounds B Field since the main field is undergoing maintenance.
Meanwhile, the dates for the 2025 edition of the Milton Schools Rugby Festival have been set with the highly anticipated schoolboy rugby fiesta scheduled to take place on April 11 and 12 at Hartsfield Rugby Grounds.
The two-day rugby extravaganza will feature 15 schools drawn from across the country with Prince Edward being a notable new entry. Each school will field two teams, an Under-16 side and their first team.
Botswana Under-19 will also compete and for the second year running, the tournament will feature girls’ teams. – @brandon_malvin
Online Reporter