MSC in flawless start

MUTARE’S sole topflight rugby franchise, Mutare Sports Club, has kicked- off its 2017 season campaign in the rebranded Zimbabwe Rugby Union Intercity League on a flawless start.

The Mutare Shumbas won 28-27 against Police Defenders in Harare last Saturday. Their second consecutive win comes after the side’s impressive 52-10 triumph in its season opener against Gweru Sports Club the week before.

The Intercity League, formally National Rugby League returned after having abruptly stopped due to lack of funding in 2014.

The new Intercity League has 11 teams, MSC, Harare Sports Club (HSC), Gweru Sports Club (GSC), Old Miltonians (OMS), Old Hararians (OH), Old Georgians (OGS), Old Johannians (OJS), Highlanders, Matabeleland Warriors (MW), Police Defenders (PD) and Police Bulldogs (PB).

MSC coach, Mackenzie Munetsi, said he was excited about the return of the league and optimistic about the 2017 season.

“We have young talent and look forward to this year’s rugby season. I currently have a pool of about 40 players and I am expecting more to turn out while the registration period is still open. We have been improving on our game slowly and this year we really want to be the game changers,” said Munetsi.

The rebranded Intercity League will be played over 24 weeks on home and away fixtures.