U-20 league to kick start local rugby season

Brandon Moyo

A UNDER-20 tournament is set to kick-start the local rugby league, the Bulawayo Metropolitan Rugby Football Board (BMRFB) has confirmed.

The much-awaited return of rugby is pencilled for 20 January at the city’s ceremonial home of rugby, Hartsfield Rugby Grounds. The league is scheduled to run until the end of March before the start of the Sevens Series.

Newly elected BMRFB Chairperson Thembelani Ncube said they expect the upcoming event to be big as they hope to see players showcase their talent on the field of play. Ncube added that they are looking at also bridging the gap between boys and girls by introducing female teams, as rugby is for everyone.

“We have high expectations and we hope that the boys will be able to showcase their talent at the same time giving them a chance to show Bulawayo Metropolitan Board what we can offer. Our wish is for the Zimbabwe Under-20 coach to be available so that our players have equal opportunities to represent us on a higher level.”

“We have engaged not only clubs but schools and we expect to introduce the Under-20 girls’ teams to be part of the tournament as we try to bridge the gap between girls and boys. Our focus area is to have more numbers in the girls’ category as well,” said Ncube.

Some of the teams and schools that will be competing at the tournament are Milton Boys High School, Highlanders, Old Miltonians, Bulldogs, Warriors, Western Suburbs and Montrose have all been confirmed. Ncube said they are waiting for a few more schools to confirm in the next upcoming days as it has been an opening week.

Last year, Christian Brothers College (CBC) Hornets were crowned champions of the Under-20 league after topping the standings with 25 points from five matches, winning all their games. They wrapped up their campaign with a 40-5 victory over Old Miltonians.

As the dates draw closer to what promises to be an exhilarating rugby tournament for all of the sport’s lovers in the city, some festivals are also expected to be taking place as the year proceeds, helping grow the sport in the city.

Ncube took over the reins of BMRFB Chairperson in November last year, replacing Craig Change, and will be in office for the next four years.  Ncube served as Change’s vice-chairman.

Upon his appointment, Ncube promised to deliver good governance of the game, adding that they (alongside the board) are there to serve rugby in Bulawayo and ensure that all key voices across rugby are heard and their interests represented.