Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema
Zimpapers Sports Hub
WITH their unbeaten run and a historic win over Namibia, Piet Benade’s Sables are now facing their biggest challenge yet, not on the pitch, but off it.
As the Rugby Africa Cup looms, cancelled matches and missing fixtures threaten to derail Zimbabwe’s finest rugby moment in decades.
A proposed friendly against the United States has been scrapped, while another fixture against a yet-to-be-confirmed South African side hangs in the balance. This lack of top-tier opposition ahead of the continental showdown has thrust head coach Piet Benade into a precarious position as he leads his squad into the final leg of preparations.
Since taking over from Brendan Dawson last year, Benade has been a revelation, guiding the Sables to an 18-month unbeaten run and reclaiming the Rugby Africa Cup title.
In doing so, he masterminded Zimbabwe’s first win over long-time rivals Namibia in 23 years, a resounding 32-10 victory in the semi-finals of last year’s edition.
“We have been in a few tight encounters over the last 16 months and, fortunately, have developed a habit of ending on the right side of the scoreline, which is pleasing,” said Benade.
He has also ushered in a revival of Zimbabwean rugby pride, attracting talent from across the globe.
Several Zimbabwe-born or heritage players have rejoined the fold, with Ian Prior making his long-awaited return in July 2024. Super Rugby star Kyle Godwin has also linked up with the squad, bringing Wallabies experience to the dressing room.
More names are expected to bolster the camp in the coming days, joining early arrivals such as Takudzwa Musingwini, Edward Sigauke, Dylan Utete, Tyran Fagan, Bornwell Gwinji and Simbarashe Mandioma.
Meanwhile, Godwin, Prior and the elusive Tapiwa Mafura have been named for the Zimbabwe Cheetahs’ squad for this week’s Africa Sevens Cup.
Despite the influx of international talent and undeniable momentum, all is not rosy.
The Sables’ lack of quality game time has raised concerns within the camp. Outside last year’s tour of the Middle East and Asia, where Zimbabwe impressed with wins over the United Arab Emirates (62-22) and South Korea (27-22), the team’s only competition has been regional, beating Zambia twice (70-15, 25-19) and Botswana 80-12.
But it is the narrow 25-19 win against Zambia in their most recent outing that has raised eyebrows.
“Travelling to other countries and playing in different conditions is never easy, and the players stuck to the task well in many aspects,” Benade said in defence of his side’s shaky performance.
“We were perhaps a bit undisciplined in patches, which allowed the determined Zambian side back into the game late on, but for the most part, we were in control of the match.
“The blowout in Zimbabwe certainly stung the Zambians into action, and they were better prepared for the return fixture.”
Critics have pointed to complacency, but Benade is not buying it.
“As much as you try and explain the danger of a fixture as a coach, it is not easy for a player if you have recently had a comfortable win,” he said.
“The tightness of this fixture, I feel, shows how well we actually played in Harare in the first leg.
“So, we will try to focus on the positives, while taking learnings from the match. There will always be things to work on.
“Again, I think being able to hold teams out in the last quarter of a game has become a strength of ours, and that is a positive thing, as a group of players, knowing we can grind out wins away from home if required.”
Benade’s biggest headache in the coming weeks may not be game strategy, but managing a bloated and increasingly competitive squad as foreign-based players continue to trickle in.
With selection for the Rugby Africa Cup squad looming, competition is fierce, and every training session counts.
Adding another twist is the involvement of key players in the Zimbabwe Cheetahs’ Sevens campaign.
Dion Khumalo, Trevor Gurwe, Tinotenda Blithe Mavesere, Brandon Mudzekenyedzi and Edward Sigauke are all in Mauritius this week for the Africa Sevens Cup, leaving the Sables short on bodies at a critical stage.
The countdown is ticking towards Benade’s final squad announcement, expected in early July. The coach is banking on cohesion, character and belief to carry his charges through the storm.
So far, his methods have worked. But as the Rugby Africa Cup draws closer, the margin for error narrows. The unbeaten streak, the returning stars and the championship pedigree all count for little if the Sables cannot translate potential into polished performance.
And with fixtures in doubt and pressure mounting, Zimbabwe’s rugby faithful are hoping their team’s next big win does not come off the field, but on it.
