Treat for rugby fans

Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
BULAWAYO rugby enthusiasts are in for a treat tomorrow when clubs in the National Rugby League, Busters, Old Miltonians and Western Panthers are involved in a pre-season tournament at Hartsfield Ground.
The competition, which runs for three weeks will also feature the Bulawayo Under-21 Select that faces Western Panthers with Old Miltonians and Busters clashing in the main game.

Players that have crossed floors are likely to feature for their new clubs.

Busters have snapped prop Irvine “Bhuda” Nduwa from Western Panthers.

“We are excited to have a player like Nduwa joining us and we are looking forward to a great season. It is always great to have talented players choosing to play for a successful team like Busters which has been involved in the semi-finals in the last two editions of the national league. Players want to be with the winning team and the winning team at the moment is Busters,” Reuben Kumpasa the Busters coach said.

He said they are retaining most of their players from last season with national team fringe player Tapiwa “Endo” Mangezi who missed the better part of last season’s second half due to injury having recovered.

Busters are retaining captain Lloyd Machanjaire, Cleopas Makotose, national Sevens’ Lucky Sithole, Brian Dube, experienced Ozzie Lynx and Kudzi Mutsekenyedzi who were vital cogs in their campaign last season.

Western Panthers coach George “Rollo” Mukorera said he would field most of the players who won the Zimbo Under-21 Cup.

“This is a developmental competition and an opportunity for the boys to get game time. There will be few changes to the team as I want to maintain the squad that won the Under-21 tournament. It will be tough and having won last weekend’s final where we beat Busters after a penalty shootout,” said Mukorera.

Centre player Ntandoyenkosi Ndlovu, Lwazi Phulu and Tarisai Sibanda are some of the players Mukorera can bank on.

Old Miltonians’ campaign is likely to be led by Tawanda Mhora, Presly Ndlovu, Andrea Banda, Kudzai Mashawi, Tinashe Toriro and backline player Mduduzi Nlegbwa-Dube.

Fixtures
Tomorrow: Western Panthers v Bulawayo Under-21 Select (1.30PM), Old Miltonians v Busters (3.30PM)