Injuries threaten Sables’ unblemished season

THE Sables’ remarkable unbeaten season came to a historic climax with their triumph in the Africa Cup.

However, as they prepare for their final game against South Korea, concerns have emerged surrounding the fitness of five key players. The match, dubbed “The Last Dance”, is scheduled for Incheon Namdong Asiad Rugby Field in South Korea, and the Sables are eager to end their season on a high note.

Injuries have been a common theme for the Sables this season, with a gruelling schedule taking its toll on the players. Godfrey Muzanargwo, who scored a try against the United Arab Emirates last week, will miss today’s game owing to a nose fracture sustained during their 62-22 victory.

Simbarashe Mandioma, a veteran hooker with 49 caps under his belt, may not be available for his 50th cap due to a recent right foot injury sustained during training. Though he remains under observation, his prospects for playing in the Last Dance are uncertain.

Seasoned front-row player Brian Makamure is presently side-lined as he recovers from multiple injuries, making him unavailable for the upcoming game. Meanwhile, Kudakwashe “Goofy” Nyakufaringwa has a swollen knee and will undergo a stress test to determine his match fitness.

Despite these injury setbacks, the Sables’ head coach Piet Benade has faith in the depth and resilience of his squad. He cites the Africa Cup final, in which three key players were missing, as evidence of the squad’s strength in depth. Benade believes that these absences present an opportunity for other players to step up and prove themselves.

“Injuries are an unfortunate part of our sport, and players will be missed, but at the same time, this will provide opportunities for others to test themselves and for us to grow our squad depth. We saw in the final of the Africa Cup with the absence of Cleopas Kundiona, Ian Prior, and Tinotenda Mavesere, the boys who were given opportunities to play really stepped up. Their replacements stepped up admirably. While injuries are never ideal, we are prioritising players’ long-term health, rehabilitation, and monitoring, especially in this critical period,” said Benade.

The Sables arrived in South Korea last week to start their rigorous training programme in preparation for their highly anticipated match against the hosts. As part of their training, they held a joint session with the South Korean team in what was dubbed the 2024 Dream Together Training Programme.

This tour is an essential part of the Sables’ preparation for next year’s Africa Cup, which is a direct qualifier for the Rugby World Cup in Australia in 2027. The reigning African Champions secured this year’s title in July, marking their first win in 12 years. Their success has inspired a new generation of young rugby players in Zimbabwe and attracted international attention from teams and competitions.

The Sables are determined to make a bold statement on the international stage and cement their place among Africa’s leading rugby nations. Their goal is to conclude 2024 with an unbeaten record.

In March next year, the Sables will travel to South Africa for a three-game tournament that promises to be a challenging test of their skills. Ahead of their departure to Uganda for the Africa Cup, they also have a couple of international games on their schedule.

Rugby fans can catch the Sables in action as they aim to finish their tour and season on a high note. Their highly anticipated match against South Korea will be available for viewers to stream live on the Korean streaming service, Streaming Afreeca. –@brandon_malvin