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Matabeleland Warriors coach Rueben Kumpasa yesterday said they were geared for the encounter and were looking forward to making it through to the final.

“Everyone is ready for the game. The guys have been training hard and morale in camp is high. It’s always fantastic to play in front of a cheering home crowd and we hope rugby lovers will come in their numbers and rally behind Matabeleland Warriors.

“Our goal is to win the match and ultimately bring the trophy to Bulawayo. It will not be easy for us as they have equally good players just like us who are capable of making the game tough. We just have to concentrate throughout the game, try to open them up and avoid giving away the ball unnecessarily,” Kumpasa said.

The last time the two sides met in Harare Matabeleland Warriors were massacred 20-3.
Kumpasa, a former national team star, said that result was now water under the bridge as they       had worked hard to be where they are.

He said all their seasoned players were available for the game. Matabeleland Warriors will bank on their skipper Lloyd Machanjaire, Jafet Ndebele, Terrence Kuvarega, Percy Ncube, Ozy Lynx, the Matabeleland Rugby Football Board boss Tapiwa Mangezi and Dumisani Bhebhe to lead them against Old Georgians.

They also have the likes of South African-based Biselele Tshamala weighing in with a conversion, Velile Dube, Paul Staark, Mike Zvakavapano and Thabo Nyathi in their camp.

If Matabeleland Warriors beat Old Georgians, they will meet the winner of the other semi-final between title favourites Harare Sports Club and Old Hararians.

Harare Sports Club, who only lost one game against Matabeleland Warriors, ended the season at the top of the log with 65 points and if they match their city rivals tomorrow, the final will be played in Harare and if they lose and Matabeleland Warriors win, the final between Warriors and Old Hararians will be at Hartsfield.

Fixtures
Tomorrow: Matabeleland Warriors v Old Georgians (Hartsfield), Harare Sports Club v Old Hararians (Harare Sports Club).