After almost two decades, action returns on Saturday to the ceremonial home of Zimbabwean rugby – the Police Grounds – with a top of the table Harare Province Rugby League clash between Old Hararins and Old Georgians headlining the affairs.

Both sides are on a roll, roll but their winning streak comes under immense test this weekend when the Police Grounds hosts the two former champions.

Both Old Georgians and the Old Boys are under pressure to conclude the first half of the season as leaders and earn a Gold Cup qualifier home semi-final.

Old Hararians versatile backliner and former Sables captain Cleopas Makotose knows it is not going to be an easy game but says their preparation for the top-of-the-table clash are going on well.

“Old Georgian’s is a good side and we can tell from the way they played against Sports Club over the weekend and they are very confident due to what they achieved. Nevertheless we will not read too much into their achievements.

“We are also an organised side, we have systems that we trust and we are very much prepared for them, our game against them will be a different game, a different field and a different scenario. We have a number of experienced player who are able to withstand the kind of pressure games against teams like Old Georgians come with,” said Makotose.

With a chance to play against some of South Africa’s top clubs in the Gold Cup competition, a number of players have come out of retirement to re-join Old Hararians and these include the former Sables forward pair of flanker Prayer Chitenderu and lock Constantine “Costa” Dinha.

“Competition is always good and their coming back to help out the club allows us as a team to be competitive firstly for team jerseys and also against other teams in the league.

“And this is not just for this season but their efforts and input will be felt in the next two years as they are also helping the young stars out.

“It is every club’s dream to have a home semi-final and a win over Old Georgians would just give us that and if that happens, we are happy. We have the players who can deliver (a top finish) and we are looking forward to the weekend.

“But if that does not happen then it is not the end of the road, we still have to travel to Bulawayo for that Gold Cup qualifier semi-final but the biggest prize will come in the final and we have our eyes set on that,” added the former Sables captain.

Fixtures: Police v Panthers (Women 11am), Harare Sports Club v Old Johannians (12pm), Police Defenders v Mutare Sports Club (1.40pm), Old Hararians v Old Georgians (3.10pm)
*All games at Police Grounds