The ManicaPost
Blessing Gondokondo Sports Reporter
MOUNTAIN Lions Rugby Club defied all odds to beat Mutare Sports Club in the second tournament of the Sevens Series played at Mutare Sports Club last Saturday.In the main match of the tournament against the Shumbas, MLRC had a great comeback and revenged the defeat they suffered in the previous tournament.
The newly formed rugby club in town, Mountain Lions is made up of some of the ex-MSC players and is mostly dominated by players from high-density suburbs of Chikanga and Dangamvura.
In the first meeting between MLRC and the Shumbas, the latter won 29-7.
Following their head-coach, Brendon Chombo’s resilience, MLRC last Saturday turned the tables against the Shumbas and stunned them 26-7.
The game which was excruciating, full of knock-downs, backdrops and endurance left Mountain Lions with more bragging rights.
MLRC buried visiting Yadah from Harare 41-7 and were also 28-5 victorious against Africa University.
MLRC head administrator, Hopewell Gunda, said their players had vastly improved.
“The guys were in terrific form. MLRC was initially formed in 2003 by the current head coach, Brendon Chombo and his colleagues who he used to play rugby with. The guys include Kudzai Kwenda and Kudakwashe Kwenda, Tawanda White and Hickman Marumehoko (current rugby coach for Watershed).
“The club collapsed due to financial constraints.
An opportunity came this year when Manicaland Rugby Board decided to spread the game to high-density suburbs.
“Chombo, Kudzai and Kudakwashe Kwenda decided to restart the club again after discovering a lot of talent in high-density suburbs.
“The club is still sourcing for sponsorship and right now we have Siba Guzha who is doing a great job of making sure that the guys stay in shape. Mutare Auto Tech is also behind club,” said Gunda.
