Former rivals, Old Hararians and Harare Sports Club, penned an additional captivating page in their legendary contest as these two powerhouses concluded the Nedbank Rugby Challenge on Saturday evening.

It was an apt conclusion – the reigning champions, Harare Sports Club (HSC) commonly referred to as Sportivo, facing off against the strong contenders, Old Hararians (OH). As expected, their encounter provided quite a show under the floodlights.

Indeed, the Harare derby in rugby remains very much vibrant—tough, enthralling, and exceptionally intense.

Ultimately, it was the OH team with its array of stars that came out on top, winning the contest 25-20 and claiming the title at the 2025 Nedbank Rugby Challenge.

Although the match did not see the usual flurry of touchdowns often witnessed in encounters between these powerhouses, it made up for it with an exhilarating back-and-forth play that kept spectators utterly captivated throughout the entire eighty minutes.

The clash took place in front of numerous devoted fans at Harare Sports Club's Machinery Exchange field, where the cold evening atmosphere—temperatures dropping to 13.6°C—did little to dampen the intensity of the competition.

Sportivo took an early lead thanks to carefully executed tries scored by Tadiwa Gwashu and Nyasha Shiripanda. The seasoned veteran Lenience Tarembwa, formerly of the Sables team, demonstrated his characteristic calmness under pressure by contributing a drop goal, a penalty, and a conversion. Additionally, Tadius Dzandiwandira contributed another conversion, keeping the score steadily increasing.

However, led by the national captain Hilton Mudariki, they reciprocated accordingly.

Mudariki crossed the whitewash personally, accompanied by the powerful eighth-man Aiden Burnett, substitute Munyaradzi Gwandu, and versatile utility back Tinotenda Savanhu. In addition to scoring a try, Savanhu also converted his own score and kicked an extra penalty, ensuring the close but well-deserved victory.

After the last whistle blew, OH head coach Tichafara Makwanya had nothing but positive remarks about his team's determination and calmness under stress.

"Firstly, I'd like to express my gratitude to God for granting me this opportunity and allowing me to emerge as the winner. The fact that we can be present and participate in the game often goes unnoticed," stated Makwanya.

Regarding my team's performance, it started off somewhat unstable; however, I am pleased that they adhered to our strategy and remained competitive throughout."

Probably, our drive and ambition to secure victory were the factors that led us to triumph. Sportivo possesses immense talent, and today they forced us to fight tooth and nail for every point.

As a result, OH emerged as champions and received $2,000 in prize money. The runners-up, Harare Sports Club, earned $1,000, whereas the third-place team, Zimbabwe Junior Sables, got $750.

Makwanya concluded an impressive season by receiving the Coach of the Tournament award along with $100, whereas the exceptional Brian Nyaude was honored as the Player of the Tournament and he too received $100.

During the sideline of the finals, Zimbabwe’s Junior Sables head coach Shaun De Souza revealed a 42-player roster for this month's Barthés Trophy – the African Under-20 championship scheduled from April 17th to 27th in Harare. This competition will gather some of Africa's top young teams as they compete for victory and an opportunity to secure their place at the Junior World Trophy.

Zimbabwe Junior Sables Squad

Forwards Takudzwa Matsvimbo, Emmanuel Tawana Gabi (Captain), Stanley Murangawa, Joseph Ndovorwi, Blessed Mukuwiri, Kudzai Waylen Tsvakirai, Louange Ujenza Mutima (Co-Vice Captain), Wayne Kuraimunashe, Tafadzwa Magada, Thabani Ndlovu, Tafara Dewa, Nyasha Ngwarati, Mayibongwe Ncube, Polite Phiri, Kudzai Chenda, Pharrell Mudiwa Maziwa, Allan Mawunga, Rufaro Shenje, Tinashe Nyanyiwa, Shaun Kuda Ndowa, Samuel Edwards

Backs Dean Makweche, Tatanda Kambvumbi, Wayne Kunaka, Tafadzwa Chataika, Tinotenda Rusike (Co-Vice Captain), Tinotenda Chinyadza, Tadiwa Chirutiro, Munangi Kamwendo, Ivan Chirengende, Alex Kern, Tadiwanashe Maradze, Tadiwanashe Unganai, Tawanda Chisungo, PK Manyakara, Ethan Chaponda, Shammah Jackson, Emmanuel Magutakuona, Benoni Nhekairo, Phillip Chimhaka, Tafadzwa Tigere, Tanaka Masawi.

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