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ZIMBABWE coach Piet Benade has described his Sables’ convincing victory over neighbours Namibia as a career highlight and lauded his team’s character in the semi-final showdown.
The Sables turned on the magic to upstage Namibia at Namboole Stadium, in Kampala, Uganda on Wednesday.
However, the historic win has come at a cost as the Sables are set to go into tomorrow’s Rugby Africa Cup final against Algeria without the services of three influential players.
Flyhalf Ian Prior, prop Cleopas Kundiona and flank Tino Mavesere have all left camp with information coming out of Uganda stating that their departures were due to “personal and professional commitments” rather than injuries.
Zimbabwe are currently riding high following their 32-10 win over Namibia, a result Benade says that he didn’t fully comprehend until after the match.
“Our record against Namibia over the last 20 or so years had become something that wasn’t really spoken about but something that needed to be acknowledged,” said the Sables’ gaffer.
“It was imperative to acknowledge so as to make the required mental shift.
“There is now real self-belief that we have a strong enough side and we worked hard, so we deserved the win.
“Seeing the performance that we put together couldn’t make me any prouder of the boys, and to see the messages and happiness we brought the people back home has been amazing,” he said.
The win and performance by Zimbabwe sent shockwaves within the rugby community as this Sables outfit did what many have tried and failed during the last 23 years.
One would have to go back as far as 2001 to trace the last time Zimbabwe beat their regional rivals with the CAR Championship match between the two sides on July 7, 2001, at Hartsfield being the Sables last win.
That match ended 27-26 in favour the hosts.
“The players fully deserved to celebrate and those who chose to have a drink or two were encouraged to do so,” added Benade.
“The spirit and energy in the changing room afterwards was electric.
“The outpouring support and messages from fans and former players was overwhelming and is testimony of what it meant to everyone to finally get this job done,” he said.
That was then.
Now, Zimbabwe have to prepare for the final and head into their game against Algeria without three key members of their triumphant team.
Their opponents are no flukes either as Algeria are also coming off a morale-boosting 20-12 win over Kenya.
“While it was important to acknowledge the bit of history that was made, and celebrate accordingly, the job is not done yet.
“Focus has certainly turned to the next match as we look to try and win the tournament and get one over Algeria who beat us in 2022.
“Algeria are a side full of very talented and mostly France- based players.
“With Kenya having a few guys at the Olympics sevens, it may have been the Algerians who had the edge,” he said.
On the loss of the three players, Benade said: “While we will certainly miss the influence of that trio, it will provide a great learning opportunity for the players coming in.
“We believe that the time investment and work we have done with the depth of our squad will give us the best opportunity to still come out and put on a good show,” he said.
Zimbabwe have since called in lock forward Godfrey Muzanargwo, with the back rower likely to be one of a few changes to the team that runs out to the park for the final.
Much of the burden will likely fall onto Benade’s main leadership group, co-captains Hilton Mudariki and Kudzi Mashawi and their deputy Aiden Burnett.
There is also the ever-so calming presence of Tapiwa Mafura, who put on quite the shift during Zimbabwe’s win over Namibia at fullback.
For his efforts, the 28-year-old was duly named Most Valuable Player.
“Since I started working with the Sables in 2021, Tapiwa (Mafura) has always put his hand up to play and has been very reliable and consistent at delivering performances like this.
“We are very proud of him and his achievements, both here in Uganda and even away from the Sables,” Benade said.
Online Reporter