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Sports Reporter
A TOUGH National Rugby League encounter awaits lightweights Western Panthers of Bulawayo when they take on defending champions Old Hararians in the capital this afternoon.Western Panthers travel for the mammoth encounter without four of their key players — Busani Ncube, who is nursing a knee injury sustained from their 21-15 season opener win against city rivals Old Miltonians and the trio of veteran Slatter Ndlovu, Simbarashe Siyapinda and Mayibongwe Ncube who have work commitments.
However, Western Panthers’ coach George “The Gaffer” Mukorera believes his under- strength squad can stand the champions’ heat.
“I am taking along a very young side with little experience that is geared to face the champions. This is a self-motivating team and I am sure that the boys will turn on the heat on Old Hararians. It will not be easy but we are going there to put up a strong fight,” he said.
In their last visit to Old Hararians last season, Western Panthers were given a 69-5 hiding by the champions.
Their hope of a positive result or even a respectable scoreline defeat will be pinned on forwards Zenzele Ncube and upcoming Roberto Nhlalo while Tichaona Mupamhadzi, Ntandoyenkosi Ndlovu, Kudakwashe Chimukuyu and Thabo Nyathi will form part of their backline.
Old Hararians’ coach Cyprian Mandenge said the trio of flank Tawanda Chowe, prop Derrick Murangarari and lock Antipas Kamukwindo has been ruled out of the tie because of injuries.
Despite the three injured players, Mandenge said he has a strong squad to beat Western Panthers.
I have got depth and a large pool of players to choose from so we will be fine without the injured guys. I have confidence in my players and we are going to take it one step at a time as we try to defend our title. It will not be a walk in the park but we are going to fight for every point,” he said.
Another Bulawayo club that is on the road is Rueben Kumpasa’s Busters who take on Mutare at Gweru Sports club this afternoon where there is a double header. The other game set for the City of Progress is between Gweru Sports Club and Zvishavane Bulls.
At Bulawayo’s ceremonial home of rugby Hartsfield Ground, Old Miltonians, smarting from a 15-21 defeat to Western Panthers, are at home to Harare Sports Club who clobbered Zvishavane Bulls 86-0 last weekend.
Fixtures
Today: Old Miltonians v Harare Sports Club (Hartsfield, 3.30PM), Old Hararians v Western Panthers (Old Hararians Sports Club, 3.30PM), Busters v Mutare Sports Club (Gweru Sports Club, 2PM), Gweru Sports Club v Zishavane Bulls (Gweru Sports Club, 3.30PM)
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