Story by Anashe Murombedzi
THE Zimbabwe Rugby men’s national team, the Sables, are at the cusp of making African history as they face Namibia in the Rugby Africa Cup final at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda, this Saturday.
After 34 long years, Zimbabwe’s senior men’s rugby team is one game away from returning to the Rugby World Cup.
Namibia, a familiar titan of African rugby, stand between the Sables and their dream.
However, ahead of the Rugby Africa Cup final this Saturday, the defending champions are not intimidated by the Namibians’ World Cup qualification history, which is untainted since their maiden appearance in 1999.
“We know Namibia is a tough opponent, and history shows they have had it over Zimbabwe. It’s up to us to step up and challenge a team that has been to the World Cup,” Sables head coach, Pieter Benade said.
Captain Hilton Mudariki emphasised the team’s unity and focus.
”We have focused on ourselves, our minds, our bodies, and making sure we are in the right headspace. Namibia is a quality side, but we’ve always said from the start of the tournament that we will treat each game as a final.”
Meanwhile, Coach Benade has opted for consistency, naming nearly the same starting line-up that triumphed over Kenya in the semi-finals last week.
There is however only one injury induced change as lock Kudakwashe ‘Goofy’ Nyakufaringwa will miss out.
Flanker Dylan Utete steps into the side, and Godfrey Muzanargwo shifts into the second row.
