Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema
Zimpapers Sports Hub
GIORDANO SARPO did not hesitate. One call, one opportunity and he walked away from a season in Italy to chase something he has cherished for years — a place in the Zimbabwe Sables setup and, beyond that, a shot at the World Cup.
The forward, who had been turning out for Pesaro in Italy’s Serie A, cut his European campaign short after contact from the national team technical bench.
“I made the decision to leave Pesaro mid-season when one of the Zimbabwe senior team coaches, Costa Dinha, contacted me to enquire if I would be interested to come in to train and possibly play for the Sables,” said Sarpo.
“I didn’t have to think twice about it, as putting on that Sables jersey has always been a dream of mine.”
That decision has already begun to take shape. Sarpo was among the early arrivals in camp and got his first run during Zimbabwe A’s recent tour of South Africa, where the side delivered convincing results.
They brushed aside Northern Region Invitational 59-0 before overcoming Louis Trichardt Rugby Club 40-20, two matches that tested different sides of the squad.
The opening fixture, played in wet conditions, demanded forward control and physical discipline, conditions Sarpo knows all too well after his time in Italy.
“The rugby here is a lot more running-based or running-oriented, while in Italy, it’s more technical,” he said.
“It’s more tactical where we play off the set-pieces, scrums and lineouts.
“Among some of the lows that I have experienced playing in Italy is obviously the language barrier, at first.
“Communication was a bit of a problem and, as such, made getting around even more difficult. The weather is also something to adjust to as it is cold and wet a lot of the time.
“We have played matches in the cold, rain and sometimes even snow.”
That grounding showed in South Africa. Zimbabwe A’s forwards dominated the wet-weather contest, setting the tone for the emphatic win, before digging in against a more resistant Louis Trichardt side.
For Sarpo, the adjustment back into the Zimbabwe system has been quick, but the target is clear, and it is not just about settling into the squad.
Since the Sables secured their place at the World Cup, his focus has narrowed.
“I am not one to think too much into the future; after all, I am still very young,” he said.
“However, I would like to make every Zimbabwe squad I can, especially the World Cup squad. “In the meantime, we have a lot of fixtures coming up, with Zambia up next and then later the Nations Cup matches.
“The goal is to give it my all every chance I get, whether that is in training, starting a match or coming off the bench. It’s about taking it one match at a time and making, at least, the squad for the various tours we have got coming up.”
The Sables will take a short breather before that push continues.
The squad has been given a two-week break before regrouping ahead of a busy stretch that will shape selection.
Zimbabwe renew their rivalry with Zambia over two legs starting April 25 at Harare Sports Club, before taking on Botswana and then heading into the revived Rugby Africa Victoria
Cup against Uganda, Namibia and Kenya.
Preparations will then peak with a high-profile test against South Africa A on June 28 at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, a match that will serve as a curtain-raiser to the Springboks’ clash with the Barbarians.
For Sarpo, the path is simple now.
He has already made the first call.
Now he has to back it up.
