The Sunday Mail
Tinashe Kusema
SOUTH AFRICAN Super Rugby franchise Vodacom Bulls are expected in the country on Friday ahead of their high profile pre-season friendly against rivals Toyota Cheetahs.
The match is slated for February 6 at the National Sports Stadium.
It will be the first time in 17 years that the NSS hosts a rugby match having last done so in 1999 when the Zimbabwe Sables and Wales battled.
Kyros Sports, who are organising the tie, have since released the event program which includes a visit to the Victoria Falls by the Bulls, several coaching clinics and a match activation dinner.
“Preparations for this match are already underway and we have received an overwhelming response from the public,” said Kisset Chirengende, Kyros Sports’ founder and director.
“We have been selling tickets online and the VIP section is almost sold-out while regular tickets are flying off the shelves. There has even been interest from beyond our borders, with at least 2000 tickets sold in South Africa alone while many more are on sale in Zambia, Namibia and even Kenya.
“While the match has been slated for February 6, festivities will begin as soon as the Bulls arrive in the country on January 29. We intend to fly them to Victoria Falls for a few days before they return on February 1.
“They will hold coaching clinics at Prince Edward High School, Heritage School and a few more in Mabvuku and Chitungwiza.
“We intend to have them meet as many fans as possible and are still doing the logistics to allow that.
“Unfortunately, due to time constrains, the Toyota Cheetahs will only be able to fly in on the eve of the encounter, after which they will be present at the match activation dinner,” he said.
A full strength Bulls training squad, including 13 capped Springboks players, is expected to make the trip.
The Boks players expected include Dean Greyling, Werner Kruger, Trevor Nyakane, Marcel van der Merwe, Banise Maku, Adriaan Strauss, Arno Botha, Rudy Paige, Piet van Zyl, Handre Pollard, Jesse Kriel and Bjorn Basson.
News of this historic match has been greeted with cheer by Zimbabwe Rugby Union president John Falkenburg, who believes it will help spread the game in the country.
“We are overjoyed at the prospect of hosting these two teams, and have given the match our full blessing.
“The Vodacom Bulls are three time champions while the Toyota Cheetahs are a young emerging side, so they will be a lot of entertainment for those who are able to make it to the game.
“I hear from the organisers that they will be a lot of coaching clinics and meeting opportunities for the young budding rugby players. Hopefully it will help spread the game to the masses,” he said.
