Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo,Zimpapers Sports Hub
HARTSFIELD Rugby Grounds will explode with excitement this Saturday as the mighty Sables bring their Africa Cup victory tour to Bulawayo.
The national rugby heroes, who ended a 30-year drought by clinching the coveted Africa Cup in July, will meet fans and stakeholders from midday in a historic celebration. The triumph also secured Zimbabwe a long-awaited return to the Rugby World Cup stage.
Their visit will set the stage for Bulawayo’s biggest local rugby clash – a derby final in the Archer Clothing Rugby League pitting Old Miltonians (OMs) against bitter rivals Matabeleland Warriors.
OMs stormed into the final after crushing Mahogany Bulls 27-13, while Warriors bulldozed past Western Suburbs Panthers 36-5. The reigning champs, OMs, are unbeaten this season and will be looking to hold on to their crown, but Warriors are desperate to reclaim the glory they lost in last year’s nail-biting final.
The derby has been a bruising battle all year. OMs drew first blood with a narrow 39-35 win in the opening leg, but the second leg ended in a heart-stopping 28-28 stalemate, setting up a titanic decider.
Rugby fans can expect fireworks as pride, bragging rights and silverware collide. The final kicks off at 3pm – but the party starts at 12pm when the Sables take center stage.
Bulawayo, brace yourself. The kings of African rugby are in town and Hartsfield is ready to rumble!
