Zimbabwe’s U20 rugby giants, the Pitbulls, further etched their name into domestic rugby history this weekend, securing their eighth title in nine seasons with a hard-fought 33-17 victory over Old Hararians. The win not only completed back-to-back unbeaten campaigns in 2024 and 2025 but also paraded their status as the nation’s premier age-grade side. Under the astute guidance of coaches Geoffrey Madhaki and Bob Mahari, the Pitbulls have crafted an era of dominance characterised by tactical ingenuity and unrelenting physicality.
Saturday’s clash at Harare Sports Club was a microcosm of the Pitbulls’ season: resilient, clinical, and unyielding. Old Hararians, determined to avenge their earlier defeat, launched a ferocious opening salvo, testing the champions’ defensive resolve. Yet the Pitbulls weathered the storm, their set-piece superiority and disciplined phase play gradually tilting momentum. A pivotal try before halftime, orchestrated by flyhalf Phillip Chimakha’s deft distribution, laid the foundation for a commanding second-half display. Three further scores, including a blistering counterattack finished by fullback Brandon Gwenzi, sealed a 16-point margin, reflecting the side’s ability to capitalise on fleeting opportunities.
Prop and captain Takudzwa Matsvimbo embodied the Pitbulls’ tenacity, anchoring a formidable scrum while marshalling his forward pack with authority. His leadership, honed through representing Zimbabwe’s Junior Sables at U18 and U20 levels, proved instrumental in steadying the ship during Old Hararians’ early onslaught. Alongside him, lock Tafara Dewa dominated the lineouts, his towering presence disrupting opposition throws and providing clean platform ball. Chimakha’s tactical acumen at flyhalf and Gwenzi’s defensive reliability and attacking flair exemplified the squad’s balanced blend of power and finesse.
The sustained excellence of the Pitbulls hinges on the visionary partnership of Madhaki and Mahari. Their emphasis on adaptability and mental fortitude has cultivated a squad capable of thriving under pressure. This season, their strategic tweaks—particularly in enhancing offload efficiency and defensive line speed—proved decisive in tight contests. The duo’s ability to nurture individual talent within a cohesive system remains the cornerstone of the team’s success, ensuring the Pitbulls remain a step ahead of rivals.
With eight titles in nine seasons, the Pitbulls have transcended mere dominance to become a benchmark for excellence in Zimbabwean rugby. Their latest triumph not only reinforces their domestic supremacy but raises questions about their potential to test themselves against continental peers. As celebrations commence, the focus now shifts to whether this golden generation can sustain their relentless standards—or perhaps elevate Zimbabwe’s rugby reputation beyond its borders. For now, the Pitbulls’ legacy as the nation’s U20 torchbearers remains unchallenged, their story one of grit, unity, and unwavering ambition.
