Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE long wait is finally over. After weeks of anticipation and careful selection, the inaugural Sable Lager Grid Cup is set to burst into life this afternoon at Harare Sports Club.
This exciting new four-team franchise tournament, created to elevate the standard of domestic rugby and lay a strong foundation for Zimbabwe’s 2027 World Cup ambitions, promises an enthralling opening round for local rugby enthusiasts.
With two fixtures scheduled at the same venue, all four sides will be in action today, marking the beginning of a crucial new era for the sport in Zimbabwe.
The Sable Lager Grid Cup features four teams — Impis, Ngunis, Valley Blades, and Sun Rays — led respectively by captains Kudzai Mashawi, Aiden Burnett, Hilton Mudariki, and Dion Khumalo. The competition is a collaborative effort between the Zimbabwe Rugby union (ZRU), Kyros Sports, and Harare Rugby, the host province.
Its primary aim is to strengthen the national team and ensure Zimbabwe puts its best foot forward ahead of the 2027 World Cup cycle by significantly raising the level of local competition.
Players were selected from across the country through a franchise system draft pick. Several Bulawayo-based players, who usually represent Matabeleland Warriors in the Archer Clothing Rugby League, were drafted and expressed their eagerness to compete against some of the finest talent Zimbabwean rugby has to offer.
Utility back Glen Maseko, drafted by the Sun Rays, shared that the Grid Cup offers him the perfect opportunity to end his season on a high before focusing on rehabilitating an ankle injury sustained during a derby match against Old Miltonians.
“It really means a lot to be playing in the Grid Cup considering I was thinking of taking a bit of a break and ending my season a bit earlier this year because of an ankle injury I got earlier on during the season in the derby versus OMs.
Not one of the best seasons I have had but with the Grid Cup coming up, it will be a good way to end it on a high and then focus on rehab during the off season.
“Sun Rays is a good team put together with a lot of skilled youngsters in it and actually being the youngest team in the Grid Cup, captained by Dion Khumalo. Its good to have a couple of players from back home and great combinations in the backline too, altogether with a couple of players I have paired up with in the Sables camp and played together with. It will definitely be an interesting one,” he said.
Tawanda “Taks” Takawira, a 26-year-old wing or fullback also drafted by the Sun Rays, expressed his excitement at being selected among Zimbabwe’s top players.
“It really means a lot to be participating in this tournament and having been drafted amongst all the good players from all over Zimbabwe is just unbelievable,” said Takawira.
Left wing Daniel Panashe Sunduza, selected by the Impis, sees the Grid Cup as the ideal platform to showcase his talent on a national stage.
“It means a lot to me to be selected to be part of this tournament where I get to showcase my talents to the whole of Zimbabwe and to show what talent is in Bulawayo as well,” said Sunduza.
Similarly, Vuyani Ncube, who can play centre, wing, or fullback, is eager to show his extraordinary attributes to the nation.
“Playing in the Grid Cup means a lot to me, as it not only allows me to play against the cream of the country but also gives me the opportunity to showcase my extraordinary attributes. It gives me an opportunity to better myself as a player and as a person as well,” said Ncube.
The tournament kicks off with the Ngunis facing the Valley Blades at 4.30 pm, followed by the Impis taking on the Sun Rays at 7.30 pm.
The format will follow a round-robin stage, with the top two teams progressing to the Grand Final.
