Nedbank Challenge Cup preps on course
ZIMBABWE Rugby Union (ZRU) vice president Martin Shone says preparations for the third edition of the Nedbank Challenge are on course as they want to host to an exciting and competitive event.
The tournament is slated for March 16-23 at Harare Sports Club.
Shone says they have made it a point that all provinces will be represented at the tournament.
“Preparations are going on well. All provinces will be represented. We are excited with the continuation of the sponsorship from Nedbank Zimbabwe.
“Obviously, it gives our local players a chance to showcase their talent.
“It shows we are doing something right if the sponsors continue to do business with us. For the rugby fraternity, they get to watch quality rugby on display, which is great,” said Shone.
About US$9 000 has been set aside for the tournament.
The winners of the tournament will walk away with US$4 000, while the second and third-placed teams will get US$2 500 and US$1 250.
There will also be a host of individual prizes for Coach of the Tournament (US$350), Most Valuable Player (US$250), Most Promising Player (US$150) and Best Referee (US$250).
Teams expected to take part include Old Georgians, Old Hararians, Harare Sports Club, Pitbulls/Harare Select and the Nedbank Under-20 Junior Sables team.
Matabeleland Select (Old Miltonians, Warriors, Highlanders, Gweru Sports Club, Mimosa and Zvishavane and a Manicaland Select side (comprising Mutare Sports Club, Spartans, Africa University, Rusape and Mutare Polytechnic) will also feature,
Shaun De Souza, who is the national Under-20 coach, will have his Junior Sables competing as part of preparations for their Barthes Trophy title defence next month.
The Junior Sables are the Barthes Trophy defending champions and will be looking to make it three wins in a row after claiming the 2022 and 2023 editions.