Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE will send a new generation of Junior Sables to Uganda carrying the responsibility of reclaiming the Barthes Trophy they surrendered two years ago.
After losing the 2024 final to Kenya and watching Namibia lift the trophy in Harare last year, the Junior Sables begin their latest campaign against the same Kenyan side at Muteesa II Stadium in Kampala on August 7.
Coach Shaun De Souza, however, does not want his players burdened by the disappointments of the previous two campaigns.
“We respect what happened previously, but this is a different group with its own identity and journey,” said De Souza.
“Our emphasis has been on preparing properly and controlling what we can control.
“If we execute our systems, play with discipline and represent the badge with pride, the results will take care of themselves.”
De Souza will name his travelling squad during a send-off function to be hosted by the Zimbabwe Rugby Union Interim Management Committee at Harare Sports Club this afternoon. The function starts at 1pm and brings to an end weeks of competition for places in the final squad.
De Souza deliberately delayed announcing his travelling party to give every player an opportunity to prove his worth.
“We wanted to give every player every opportunity before making those final decisions,” he said.
“Selection has been based on performance throughout the campaign, consistency, work ethic and the ability to fit into our game model.
“Physical readiness, versatility, decision-making under pressure and, most importantly, character were also under review.
“Wearing the Zimbabwe jersey is a privilege, so attitude and commitment have been just as important as talent.”
Several leading players, including Tyrone Gombe, Andrew Maringa, P.K. Manyakara, Joshua Thondhlana, Wayne Kuraimunashe, Tapiwa Zhanda and Mudiwa Mtemererwa, will miss the tournament through injury or unavailability. De Souza remains confident that the players selected can mount a strong challenge in Uganda.
“Cutting or losing a player is never easy, but we are confident in the group we have assembled,” he said.
“We believe this squad has the quality, depth and character to compete strongly.”
This year’s Barthes Trophy has been divided into two categories.
Zimbabwe, Namibia, Kenya and Tunisia will compete in the main tournament, while hosts Uganda, Zambia, Madagascar and Côte d’Ivoire take part in the First Division competition.
The Junior Sables face Kenya in one semi-final, with defending champions Namibia taking on Tunisia in the other.
Kenya denied Zimbabwe the title with a 28-13 victory in the 2024 final. A year later, Namibia went through the tournament unbeaten and sealed the crown with an emphatic 81-7 victory over Tunisia at Old Hararians Sports Club. Those successive disappointments have placed expectations on De Souza’s side, but the coach says his players are embracing the challenge rather than fearing it.
“We certainly want to make Zimbabwe proud and there is a lot of excitement and anticipation in the group,” he said.
“Everyone understands the opportunity ahead.
“A little pressure is healthy when representing your country, but the environment we have created allows the players to embrace that challenge rather than fear it.
“Representing Zimbabwe always comes with expectation, and we embrace that responsibility.”
Preparations have focused on developing the team’s playing structure, improving conditioning and building combinations.
“The players have responded exceptionally well, and we are pleased with the progress we have made,” said De Souza. Our focus now is on the finer details and ensuring we arrive in Uganda fresh, confident and well-prepared.”
Standing between Zimbabwe and a place in the final is a Kenyan side De Souza expects to pose a stern physical challenge.
“Kenya are a well-coached and physical side,” he said.
“They work hard around the contact area, compete strongly at the breakdown and have players capable of hurting you if you are inaccurate. However, our focus has been less on trying to change for the opposition and more on ensuring we impose our style of rugby while being prepared for the challenges they will bring.”
The Junior Sables will spend the remaining days refining their attack, defence and set piece while managing the players’ workloads.
Once in Kampala, the focus will turn to acclimatising and completing their final preparations for a rematch that could define their campaign.
