Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema, Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE and Uganda go into tomorrow’s Test match with contrasting fortunes after a gruelling and hugely competitive Barthes Trophy rugby tournament.
The hosts are riding high after securing promotion to the Performance Division, the tournament’s main competition.
For the Junior Sables, their ultimate goal was to qualify for the Junior World Trophy in Chile next year, with Kenya earning that ticket after their 33-14 win over Namibia in Tuesday’s final.
Zimbabwe then settled for the bronze medal after beating Tunisia 38-12.
Now, as the two teams prepare to lock horns, Zimbabwe will look to spoil the hosts’ celebrations when they meet for a regulation Test match at Mutesa II Stadium today. Kickoff is at 3pm.
Uganda are fresh off securing promotion to the Barthes Trophy’s Performance Division after back-to-back dominant displays against Zambia.
The Baby Cranes beat Zambia 81-0 and 27-12, and will now replace Tunisia in next year’s competition.
Uganda captain Elijah Katinti was a relieved man after securing the win over Zambia, and has since challenged his teammates to raise the bar as they move up a tier.
That starts with the Zimbabwe game.
The Test against Zimbabwe will give them a taste of what’s to come next year and provide a barometer to judge their preparedness.
“Zambia upped the challenge this time, unlike in the first leg where we had it easier,” said Katinti.
“They gave us a good match, but now we have a responsibility to build on this as we go to a higher tier,” he said.
It was a redemptive moment for the Baby Cranes, who won the lower division back in 2015, only to be relegated from the Performance Division by Zambia in 2023 when they finished seventh.
Unfortunately, the Junior Sables go into the battle with an injury-hit squad, leaving coach Shaun De Souza with no choice but to ring in a couple of changes to his starting lineup.
Starters Michael Chimedza and Donell Muyaka have been ruled out of the match completely, while Kudzai Sakirai is a doubt.
“Michael Chimedza injured his ankle and is in a cast, while Kudzai Sakirai is still suffering from bruised ribs,” said De Souza.
“Donell Muyaka is out with a concussion.
“We also have a few players carrying the usual knocks and niggles, but that is to be expected after a physically demanding tournament.
“The medical and conditioning staff are monitoring everyone closely.
“However, we won’t take any unnecessary risks as player welfare comes first.
“What this means is that we will assess everyone properly before making decisions,” he said.
De Souza has also not ruled out making wholesale changes to his matchday squad as he aims to kick-start preparations for next year’s campaign by giving as many players as possible game time.
While a result against Uganda would be ideal, the Zimbabwe Under-20 coach is keeping his eye on the bigger picture.
“There may be some wholesale changes,” he said.
“We have to manage the squad because the players have been through a demanding tournament, and we also want to give some of the boys an opportunity to play.
“However, changes will be made with the objective of putting out the strongest possible team to perform against Uganda. And selection will be based on fitness, form, and what we feel the team needs tactically,” he said.
“Uganda are a very competitive side,” he added.
“They have shown good physicality and a strong desire to play, so we know it will be another demanding game,” he said.
On the new format, De Souza had nothing but good things to say, adding that it has brought a new competitive edge to the tournament.
“I think the new format is very good for player development,” he said.
“Every match has real significance. There is pressure from the first game, and you don’t have the luxury of taking time to settle into the tournament.
“It also exposes players to different styles and demands that they adapt quickly.
“And for young players preparing for senior international rugby, that is extremely valuable,” he said.
