Hartsfield shut down ahead of Sables, Kenya game

09 Jul, 2017 - 02:07 0 Views
Hartsfield shut down ahead of Sables, Kenya game The Rugby Africa Gold Cup clash between Zimbabwe and Kenya will take place at Hartsfield Rugby Ground

The Sunday News

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Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter
HARTSFIELD Rugby Ground, the venue of the Rugby Africa Gold Cup fixture between Zimbabwe and Kenya on 22 July will be shut down after yesterday’s Intercity League match between Highlanders and Old Johanians to pave way for renovations at the facility.

Zimbabwe Rugby Union chief executive officer Blessing Chiutare said he had been informed by the Theodore Weale chaired Local Organising Committee that they intend to close down Hartsfield so that they can spruce up the venue. Chiutare met the LOC members last Friday and was expected to conduct a site inspection so as to give his recommendations.

“In terms of the venue, I have been informed that they are shutting it down to repaint the buildings and make sure the field is in good condition. I met with the LOC to look at issues to do with accommodation for the teams, officials, refs, security, programme and protocol around that event,’’ said Chiutare.

Another inspection a week before the match will be conducted with an advance party from ZRU to make sure that everything is in place. Chiutare indicated that with sponsors putting together resources to look after the Sables, ZRU have to do everything to ensure that things are done in an organised manner.

Kenya will land in Harare on 20 July prior to heading to Bulawayo by road. The Simbas will only depart from Bulawayo on 24 July to catch their flight in Harare. Chiutare called upon Bulawayo rugby fans to turn up in their numbers since it is crucial for the Sables to stay in the elite Gold Cup which gives them an opportunity to qualify for the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

“We need to stay in this group, rugby will need all the support, Bulawayo need to come out to support the Sables,’’ Chiutare said.

Meanwhile, the Sables played an ICL Select at Harare Sports Club yesterday before they leave for Namibia on Tuesday to take on the Namibians in their second Gold Cup match in Windhoek on Saturday. The Cyprian “Super” Mandenge coached Sables beat Senegal 28-16 in Dakar last month to get their campaign off to a brilliant start. — @Mdawini_29

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