Online Reporter
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
THE game of rugby is on a development trajectory, thanks to the all-encompassing approach by the Casper Bandi-led Manicaland Rugby Board administration that has seen the return of St Augustine’s High School and St Mathias Tsonzo High School to the provincial Under-20 league.
Manicaland Rugby Under-20 games are back in action with the first match played last weekend saw Santa (St Augustine’s High School) beating Rockstars 24-7. The match was, however, played in a water-logged pitch.
The second match saw Mutare Boys’ High up against Mutare Sports Club Under-20 team and Mutare Sports Club forced a draw in the last play of the match. It ended in a 12-12 stalemate.
This weekend’s fixtures will have Eastern Giants up against Mutare Sports Club, while the main attraction of the day will see Mutare Boys’ High squaring up against Santa, a much anticipated match that all followers of the league are looking forward to.
Manicaland Rugby Board chairman, Bandi, expressed satisfaction at the progress made so far in roping in schools that used to be part of the game at this level, but somehow had opted out in recent years.
“I am happy to have Santa joining us and Tsonzo is also coming on board. It is important to have other teams coming out of town supporting local leagues.
“This is the way forward and the thrust we are taking as a board to ensure grassroots development of the game. We hope we will be having more of this going forward,” said Bandi.
In fact, the rebirth of rugby at St Augustine’s High School in 2025 took place with a big bang with the team reaching the NASH provincial finals under the coaching guidance of Bandi.
With the great support from the school head, Nobert Kutoka, who has a great passion for rugby, together with likeminded alumni, the team is poised to reach greater heights.
The recent thrashing of Manicaland select last week at Mutare Boys’ High in the Manicaland Rugby Tournament with a score line of 24-7 bears testimony that the Santa Leopards are out to kill.
Kutoka said: “The history of rugby in Manicaland shall never be complete without mentioning the Santa Leopards despite being a new kid on the block as of now.
“St Augustine’s High has the pleasure to invite all rugby lovers to come and watch the mighty team in action this weekend at Mutare Boys’ High. When the going gets tough, the tough gets going.”
