Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE coach Piet Benade has expressed a general satisfaction with the enquires that have been made by the legion of players in the diaspora who interested to becoming part of the Sables’ Rugby World Cup ensemble.
The Sables will mark their long-awaited return to the World Cup show-piece after 35 years of waiting.
And naturally, they have become an attractive brand to the Zimbabwean rugby talent dotted around the globe.
That huge interest has not escaped Benade’s attention.
Benade believes the impact made by players like Ian Prior and Kyle Godwin is too big to ignore and has opened the doors to those that may want to follow suit as the Sables continue their preparations for next year’s Rugby World Cup in Australia.
“I think it’s very simple, to be honest,” said Benade.
“We have to do what is best for Zimbabwe and what is best for Zimbabwe rugby.
“If the people that put their hands up are Zimbabweans then nobody should be discriminated against if they can help contribute positively to a Sables’ performance.
“Yes, there is certainly money in the bank for people that have done a job for us in the past but we are definitely going up a level in terms of competitive rugby and we have to be prepared.
“We have already seen what an impact having a player like Ian Prior in our ranks can do and if we have managed to open doors for other people to want to play for the Sables, we cannot hold anything against them.”
Since Zimbabwe broke their now 35-year wait to return to the World Cup, there have been concerns over an influx of players, “who are suddenly interested in the Sables’’.
This has resulted in fears that Zimbabwe may dump, the bulk of the squad, which secured qualification by winning the Africa Cup in Uganda in 2025 and opt only for those interested in playing at the World Cup and desert the team soon after.
However, Benade has revealed that he has no qualms with new players coming in, just so long as they add value to the Zimbabwe cause.
He used the examples of Ian Prior and Kyle Godwin, who have already made their debuts for Zimbabwe with the two playing instrumental roles in helping Zimbabwe secure qualification for the World Cup scheduled for Australia next year.
Stormers’ lock Gary Porter happens to be the latest star to express interest in trying out his hand for the Sables with more coming.
“We are in constant communication with players and as they are confirmed we will let the public know,” said Benade.
“What I can say is that we are happy with the progress of possible personnel who are showing interest in playing for the Sables with one such example being Stormers Lock Gary Porter.
“Porter’s mother was born in Bulawayo and he has confirmed he is available to play.
“So far, the talks we have had with a couple of players have been very positive although I cannot yet reveal their names.
“The door remains open and everyone is welcome to try out.
“They will be welcomed by not only management but they will also be welcomed by players as there is a lot at stake,” he said.
Benade also believes that there is a lot more at stake than just national pride and making an impact in Australia.
“We are not just representing Zimbabwe but the rest of Africa.
“We feel a close association to the Kenyans, Ugandans, Zambians and so on.
“We have been in their shoes as they work towards World Cup qualification of their own.
“We know the challenges that they are facing and we want to represent them with pride.
“We want to show them a pathway for African excellence and that is a big responsibility.
“It is also a challenge that we are looking forward to, added Benade.
The Sables coach is currently from where he has preparing his local-based players for the gruelling period ahead.
Before they look to the World Cup, Zimbabwe must feature in the World Rugby Nations Cup.
They will open the Nations Cup campaign with a tricky date against World Cup opponents Tonga on July 4.
However, before the Nations Cup campaign begins, the Sables must face Zambia and Botswana.
They also feature in the Rugby Africa Victoria Cup tournament where they will play Uganda, Kenya and Namibia.
The action begins at the end of this month where Zimbabwe will travel to South Africa to play against some local clubs in Stellenbosch.
“We are looking to travel to South Africa to play a couple of local clubs and this trip will be with just the local boys.
“We want to test ourselves against some of the top clubs in the Gold Cup and that will be at the end of the month.
“In April, we are looking to host Zambia and Botswana just to give pathways to our local players ahead of the gruelling couple of months ahead.
“We have the Victoria Cup against Uganda, Kenya and Namibia and then the fixture against South Africa A before the Nations Cup starts.
“So, those are our short to medium-term plans for now,” said Benade.
