Online Reporter
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
WINTER holds a special significance for rugby enthusiasts in Manicaland Province – extending beyond the customary cold nights and short days.
The traditional Mutare schoolboy derby returns this winter, as Hillcrest College, affectionately known as the Leopards, face off with Mutare Boys’ High School, widely known as the Shumbaz, at Mutare Boys’ High grounds tomorrow (Saturday).
Matches kick-off at 9am.
Rugby is a winter sport, its history dates back, and the aficionados eagerly anticipate the intense cats fight during the winter term.
For years, this derby has divided the town, with a sizable number of fans split between the two schools, making it the most highly anticipated clash at the schoolboy level.
Under the guidance of two dedicated old boys and coaches – Casper Bandi and Mackenzie Munetsi – Mutare Boys’ High has been on an upward trajectory.
Last year, they failed to secure a win against Hillcrest College, with the match ending in a stalemate.
At the time, Hillcrest College was coached by Mutare rugby veteran, Brandon Chombo, who has since relocated abroad.
Both teams have demonstrated impressive form this year (2025) – with Hillcrest College introducing experienced coach, Prosper ‘Fumhee’ Mubaiwa – who has built upon the foundation laid by Chombo and his technical team.
In short, the Leopards have demonstrated their readiness for the challenge ahead, while Mutare Boys’ High boasts a spirited side, having maintained a clean sheet throughout the season to date.
When the two teams clash, it promises to be an exhilarating derby, with the better team on the day emerging victorious.
Chombo, whose allegiance to the Leopards’ cause was evident, signed off with a Leopards catchphrase, saying: “I have respect for both schools, having had the privilege of coaching the Shumbaz in the past and understanding the significance of this derby to them.
“I have also been fortunate enough to coach the Leopards, and I am confident that the current team, if they display the same never-say-die spirit they showed last year in the Under-16s, will be well-equipped to give a good account of what it means to wear the Leopards jersey. Rugby enthusiasts in Mutare should turn out in force to witness the most highly anticipated clash in schoolboy rugby, a rivalry spanning decades. May the better team emerge victorious, though my heart remains true to blue and white. Simba Mate!”
