Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema
FOR five consecutive weeks now, the Zambezi Steelers have made the Harare Under-20 Rugby League their playground.
And during that time the Tawanda Vundla-coached outfit have beaten all and sundry, even inflicting reigning champions Pitbulls their first defeat in over five seasons courtesy of a 28-24 win a fortnight ago.
However, all the hard work and dominance may count for nothing f the Steelers go on to win the title.
This past weekend exposed the first chink in their armour as their lack of depth left them exposed and, as such, caused them to drop their first set of points after being held 19-19 by the Marondera Talons.
This allowed Pitbulls to pip them to the top of the log standings during the final week of the regulation season and avoid a tricky draw heading into this weekend’s knock out phase of the competition.
Pitbulls, in the end, finished top of the log standings with 22 points while Steelers finished second a point behind.
Old Hararians (17), Old Georgians (10), Marondera Talons (7) and Harare Sports Club (0) wrap up the log standings.
“It was not an ideal result and one we did not expect,” said Steelers coach, Tawanda Vundla.
“Our lack of depth and poor finishing were among the major takeaways.
“You know, every match brings its own challenges and this time we were exposed as we put in a mostly second-string side and they did not play up to the standard we want or accept,” he said.
As the season heads into the knock-out phase, Steelers have a date against a plucky and tricky Old Hararians’ side at Old Georgians on Saturday.
This match-up remains the only decided semi-finals clash as the arrival of a Namibia Stallions side has complicated the other clash.
Pitbulls were supposed to play Old Georgians before the Namibia side was thrown into the mix.
Now, fourth-place Old Georgians are set to play the Stallions with the winner of that match going on to claim the fourth-place and play defending champions Pitbulls.
While not affected directly, Vundla has welcomed the arrival of the Namibian team.
“Rugby is rugby and, personally, I don’t mind the Stallions coming onboard,” he said.
“It’s a testimony to the growing stature of our game that we are now in a position to attract and welcome foreign teams.
“It is great exposure for our players and our league.
“Besides, we have been chasing Namibia for some time now and having them come in will benefit our league and players in the long run,” said Vundla.
