Redcoats hold on for memorable win

No VAR (video assistant referee) was needed (but a lawnmower could have helped), when the British Redcoats took on the Zulu Zebras at the annual Rorke’s Drift reconciliation football match.

Played annually since 2015 on the day (January 22) of the historic 1879 Battle of Rorke’s Drift, the event is the brainchild of Charles Aitkenhead of the Rorke’s Drift Hotel.

The Zulu Zebras was made up of local players from the area, while the Redcoats this year included staff from Fugitive’s Drift Lodge, ably led by Douglas Rattray, and a contingent from Dundee, led by the indomitable Devon Cherry, who is on loan from Canada. The Redcoats had to boost its ranks however, by including some players from the Natal Native Contingent (NCC), whose members were present at the original battle.

It was these players who helped the Redcoats secure a famous victory, only the second the team has claimed in five years.

Spa Buthelezi netted with a neat finish in the bottom left corner, following a great assist from Buhle Langa, who sent an overhead pass into the striker’s path. Spa’s pace was too much for the Zebras defence – tackling was not easy on the thickly grassed, bumpy surface of the Rorke’s Drift Stadium.

With the referee adding on extra time, it was a nervy finish for the Redcoats which managed – just as its namesake did 141 years ago at Rorke’s Drift – to defend the goal. Devon Cherry said the game was played in a great spirit, although there were some good hard tackles all over the park.

“Both keepers were forced to make some great saves. The field is rough but definitely getting better each year. This event richly deserves some more support. It is a wonderful day out for all.”

The match was supported by Rorke’s Drift Hotel and Tourism Dundee.

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