The world famous defence of Rorke’s Drift in 1879 is to be commemorated for the second year in a row by the playing of a football match, featuring the Rorke’s Drift Redcoats and the Zulu Zebras. Kick off is at 4pm on Friday, January 22, at the new-look Rorke’s Drift stadium.

The game was played for the first time last year and despite rough playing conditions, the game was much enjoyed with the Zulu team prevailing 2-1.

Organiser, Charles Aitkenhead of the Rorke’s Drift Hotel, said it was on this day, January 22 1879, that three Zulu Regiments crossed the Buffalo River from the Isandlwana battlefield and attacked the Mission Station at Rorke’s Drift.
“Just over 100 British Troops resisted their attack throughout the night. Warriors can test their differences today with a game of football,” he said.
Teams will play in strip carrying the names of the famous warriors and units from both sides.
The game will be followed by a braai and refreshments at the Museum from 6pm. This year, attractive medals have been struck and the winner’s trophy is a nxala (mountain reedbuck) head mounted on hardwood block with engraving.
The trophy and medals were donated by Dundee Tourism. For details of the commemorative game contact Charles at tel/fax – 034 642 1760/1/2 or cell: 079 090 5252.