They last clashed at Rorke’s Drift with rifles blazing and assegais rattling against shields. However, to mark the 138th anniversary of the iconic battle of Rorke’s Drift, the Redcoats and Zulus exchange their weaponry for boots and a football.
This is the third time the commemoration match has been played on the rough Rorke’s Drift field, a stone’s throw away from the battle site.
Like last year, the result went down to the dreaded penalty shoot-out.
However, for the first time in three years, it was the Redcoats who prevailed over the Zulu Zebras, 4-3. This, after the game was tied at 2-2 after extra time.

It was an entertaining clash with end-to-end action and the Redcoats were pleased to finally hold aloft the coveted Nxala trophy.
The Redcoats team, managed by Mike Cherry of NEMS, in which son, Devon, also played, also featured some members of the ‘NNC’ (the erstwhile Natal Native Contingent) and four real British recruits currently working at nearby Fugitive’s Drift Lodge – these included Alex Middleton, Charlie Horlick, Harry McGrath and Lewis Lee (British army officer).

Organised by Charles Henderson of Rorke’s Drift Hotel and supported by the Dundee Rotary Club, the day was a way to make new friends while remembering the events of January 22, 1879.
“A great day was had by all and after the match, we all enjoyed a small meal at the museum as the teams relaxed and conjured and plotted what needed to be done next year to clinch victory,” concluded Mike.