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BULAWAYO rugby giants Busters are confident of hoisting high the southern region flag during the second round of the end of season Spar Summer Sevens Series set for Harare over the weekend.
The star-studded Busters easily qualified for the next round after coming tops in last Saturday’s first round of the Spar Summer Series played at Hartsfield Stadium going for a four-match unbeaten finish.
Busters defeated fellow Bulawayo side Western Panthers 31-14 in the final. In earlier matches Busters, boasting of some players who have played at national level like Lloyd Machanjaira, Jafet Ndebele as well as Lucky Sithole within their ranks, defeated Police Bulldogs 21-0, Southern Region Academy 32-0 and fierce city competitors Old Miltonians 28-0.
“Everyone’s geared up for the next round of the Summer Series and they’re looking forward to playing their Harare counterparts. Our aim’s to win the tournament but nothing will soothe us than to contribute a significant number of players into the national team to play in the CAR Sevens Championship to be held in Harare at the end of the month,” said Rueben Kumpasa, a member of Busters technical team.
Coached by Zimbabwe Cheetahs mentor Gilbert Nyamutsamba, Busters will be joined by Western Panthers, Gweru Sports Club and Southern Region Academy for the national event which will also be used to choose players for the Africa Cup Sevens.
Besides speed merchant Machanjaira, Ndebele and Sithole, some of the players expected to carry the day for Busters are Wesley Mbanje, Kudakwashe Chimukuyu and upcoming star Dumi Bhebhe.
Western Panthers are also sending a formidable side that has veteran Busani Ncube, Ntandowenkosi Ndlovu, Nigel Mugadza, Masimba Musiyapinda and Dalubuhle Maphosa.
“We aren’t going to Harare just to make up numbers but to compete effectively. It’s going to be tough but we’ve a good side that can withstand any pressure,” said Western Panthers coach George Mukorera.
Southern Region Academy is made up of upcoming players that are touted as the future of Zimbabwe’s rugby.
Nyamutsamba, Mukorera and Kumpasa are mentors of the Southern Region Academy.
Tarisai Mugariri, Hardlife Masunda, Tyler Rowe and Irvine Nduwa are some of the players that will feature for the Southern Region Academy.
Online Reporter