FOUR teams will take part in the National Rugby League semi-finals and final to round off an unforgettable season that was blighted by the lack of sponsorship following the withdrawal of Lion Lager. THANDIWE MOYO SPORTS CORRESPONDENT
Old Hararians will play in the first semi-final against Western Panthers with Old Georgians in the second against Matabeleland Busters in Harare starting this weekend. With 10 weeks into the league, games were suspended as the NRL failed to secure sponsorship.
The nine teams that were in the league are Harare Sports Club, Old Hararians, Old Georgians, Old Miltonians, Western Panthers, Matabeleland Busters, Gweru Sports Club, Zvishavane Bulls and Mutare Sports Club. NRL chairman Nody Kanyangarara said the top-four teams would clash at Old Georgians on Saturday.
“We are supposed to have our semi-finals this weekend. We have decided to play the semi-finals because we need closure in the league. We need to identify a winner and wrap up the season,” he said.
“We are using the nine weeks that we played instead of 10 to determine the teams that will play in the semi-final. (Harare) Sports Club will not be taking part because they do not have players. They are now preparing for the 7’s Series. We had to get the next best teams and that was up to number five on the log.”
He said they are hoping to hold the final on November 1 but the dates are still to be confirmed.
“The final could coincide with the 7’s Series but we are hoping to have it on November 1. We are still trying to scrap around for sponsorship for the final,” Kanyangarara said.
