By ELIAS CHIPEPO –

‘MEN At Work’ Diggers coach, Robertson ‘Plough’ Kang’ongwe has declared his side ready for the 2014 Zambia Rugby Union (ZRU) season.
Kang’ongwe said from Cape Town yesterday that he was impressed with the player’s performance during the pre-season tour of South Africa despite wrapping up with a defeat.
He said the team was now ready to reclaim the Buildcon-ZRU national league title from Red Arrows as well as making a clean sweep of the cup competitions.
Diggers concluded their match practice session with a 31-19 defeat suffered at the hands of Raithby on Tuesday night.  Diggers managed to place three tries through Beneya Mukwamba as Kabwela Mulenga made two conversions.
Raithby posted three converted tries from the five that were scored in a match that saw Diggers record their first defeat following victories over Van der Stel winning 34-12 which was followed up by a 25-3 win over Strand Pioneers.
“I am happy with our pre-season training as it has exposed the players to some physical play which will go a long way in helping us reclaim the league title. The player’s attitude in the games we have played has been encouraging and the games have provided us with an eye opener ahead of the season,” he said.
Meanwhile, Kangongwe showered praise on the new season signees saying their performance has been impressive.
Diggers signed Mwengwe Mutwale from Vaal University in South Africa, Chalwe Chaonza from Mufulira and Kangwe Chalwe from ‘Killer Bee’s’ Ndola Wanderers.
“I am happy that the new players managed to blend in well and adapting to Diggers style of play. Overall the team has been good, they have shown good spirit and we now just look forward to the season,” he said.
The 2014 rugby season kicks off traditional games on February 22 to be followed by the Nchanga 10’s on March 1 before the league gets underway on March 8.
Diggers, who returned home yesterday, kick off their campaign away against Nkwazi with Arrows playing Chibuluma in Kalulushi as ‘Powerhouse’ Lusaka host Green Eagles.