Shumbas, Old Crestonians clash in local derby
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Fungayi Munyoro-Chingaira
MUTARE – Manicaland rugby lovers are in for a treat this Saturday when Mutare Sports Club (MSC) fondly referred to as Shumbas will clash against Old Crestonians in a one day tournament at Mutare Sports Club.
Three matches are lined up on the day and in the ladies category, Mutare Select which comprises of Africa University, Mutare Sports Club and Spartans will play against Sahumani Bullets.
In the men’s category, Africa University will face Spartans before the final game of the day between Shumbas and Old Crestonians.
MSC captain Jones Dedza said he is anticipating a tough encounter and declared that his charges ready. He also said this will be one of the biggest matches of the season.
“It’s been 2 weeks since we got back from off-season and the boys have been training hard for our first match of the year. This game is the biggest local rugby game on the Manicaland Rugby calendar and neither of the teams will want to be on the losing end so it will be an intense match,” he said.
The skipper said MSC is using the match as a yardstick as the club prepares for the National Nedbank Cup coming up in two weeks’ time.
“This game will help us to prepare for The National Nedbank Cup which is to be hosted by Harare Province in two weeks’ time. This is a clash of all big teams from the country’s 10 provinces.
“We have a couple of injuries in the team which include Tawanda Dembaremba (lock) and Elijah Mbawa (loose head prop) who are yet to be assessed to see if they are fit by Friday afternoon. We have new additions in the team which include famous Zimbabwe Sables Player Martin Mangongo who has rejoined us for the match whilst he is on off -season from his Poland duties,” said the skipper.
Manicaland Rugby Board Secretary Casper ‘Belt’ Bandi said he is excited about the weekend games adding that they are using the games to prepare for the prestigious Nedbank Cup.
“We are excited to be hosting this tournament. Players are getting more game time in preparation for the Nedbank Challenge Cup slated for Harare,” he said.
