De Jonge’s Sables’ wish

The Australia-based back-liner fared well after making it into the Sables side that went on to lift Africa’s most prestigious title.
The Sables technical team wanted to have a look at him but the Zimbabwe Rugby Union did not have enough funds to cater for his air ticket and his family agreed to fly him in from Australia. Surely, this was a blessing for him as he managed to impress the Sables technical team led by coach Brandon Dawson, assistant Cyprian “Supa” Mandenge and manager Losson Mtongwiza.
De Jong was, however, thrown into the fray as he came in as a direct replacement of reigning Player-of-the-Year and Old Hararians fullback, Danny Robertson, who was ruled out owing to a knee injury in a league loss to Sports Club.
With the support of the experienced duo of Nemadire and Nechironga to complete the back three, de Jong found the going fairly enjoyable.
But he has since shifted attention from the Africa Cup and its rewards — or lack of — focussing on what needs to be done if the Sables are to qualify for the 2015 World Cup as they still have two more rounds to play prior to qualification.The fullback recently wrote to rugby-playing Zimbabweans based in other countries, who might have the thought of playing for their adopted countries, showing them what this country can offer despite the lack of funds.
This is his letter:
Howzit Guys,
Guys as rugby playing individuals around the world I thought I would take the time to share with you my recent experience with the Zim Sables tour of Tunisia, the success involved in winning the tournament and what exactly needs to be done to qualify for RWC 2015. Firstly the tour was a tremendous success both on and off the field. Personally it was the best tour I’ve ever been a part of and to win it was a huge thrill and it was a massive privilege to have received my first Test cap.
Zimbabwe was placed in Group 1A with Tunisia, Kenya and Uganda. In our first game we played the hosts Tunisia and won in a hard-fought battle 30 points to 14.
By winning this game we therefore qualified for the final of the tournament where we played Uganda.
The Ugandans were a much bigger side than us but we dominated them in the backs and came out winners 22-19.
This left us winners of group 1A.
In terms of qualifying for WC 2015, winning the tournament has put us top of Africa (obviously behind the Springboks) with two more tournaments to be played in 2013 and 2014.
By coming first this year, it made the route to qualifying a lot easier because there is a high possibility that one of the next two tournaments will be held in Zim and we obviously play the 4th ranked side first in next year’s comp (etition). Next year sees us pooled with Uganda, Kenya and newly promoted Madagascar in Group 1A.
You are all probably wondering about Namibia who have been to the last 4 RWC’s. Due to not upholding fixture requirements Namibia were placed in the lower group this year, group 1B.
In their tournament earlier this month they didn’t even win it and lost to Madagascar in the final.
This meaning that for them to have a
Would be fantastic to see some of you in the set up soon.
#BELIEVE
Raymond de Jong.