Bring on the Nedbank Challenge Cup!
THE Manicaland Select – a fusion of players from different rugby clubs in the province – has set its eyes on making a lasting impression in the Nedbank Challenge Cup which rolls into life this weekend.
Old Georgians, Old Hararians, Harare Sports Club, Southern City, Bulawayo Select and Manicaland Select make up the list of teams that will partake in the Nedbank Challenge Cup at Old Georgians Rugby Club in the capital.
Manicaland Select is highly likely to be dominated by players from Old Crestonians and cross town rivals, Mutare Sports Club.
Manicaland Select coach, Charles Bezuidenhout, who is also the Old Crestonians coach, said the province has what it takes to compete favourably in the Nedbank Cup Challenge against some of the domestic heavyweights.
“Obviously, for the first practice together with all the clubs taking part there were a lot of mistakes, but I think there is enough talent from what I saw yesterday (Tuesday) to be able to put together a strong competitive team for Manicaland to feature in this Challenge Cup this weekend.
“I think it is also a good thing that the Challenge Cup is taking place after a lengthy layoff for the senior men’s 15s rugby. It is also a good thing for the Sables coach, Brendan Dawson to be able to scout and see local talent and maybe take some of them into his team and nurse them into the way his game plan wants to work.
“I think Manicaland has enough talent to put up a good fight this coming weekend against teams that have already been practicing hard.
“We will be at full strength especially with some of the guys that are already in the Sables camp. We have some catch-up to do, but like I said we should be strong enough to be able to compete this weekend,” said Bezuidenhout.
Casper ‘Belt’ Bandi, the Manicaland Select manager, weighed in saying: “I am looking forward to the Nedbank Challenge Cup and all the coaches have been putting hard work to coach players from different clubs in Manicaland. “Everything is in place and we are ready to for the Challenge Cup. The players are excited and are ready to play.”