Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema-Zimpapers Sports Hub
PIET BENADE has named his 26-man travelling squad for this weekend’s match against South Africa A at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha.
The match is set to act as a curtain raiser for the Springboks’ season opener against the Barbarians and wrap up Zimbabwe’s preparations for the World Rugby Nations Cup which starts next month.
Benade is also set to announce his match-day side tomorrow night for the historic clash that rekindles the rugby rivalry between Zimbabwe and South Africa.
The Sables has retained the core of the squad; he has been working with Old Hararians, winger Tatenda Kamubvumbi’s inclusion being a notable addition as he gets to be rewarded for his rich vein of form during the national team’s preparations this year.
He also earned Man-of-the-Match awards in a couple of scrimmage matches for the Sables, including the first clash against Zambia.
Kamubvumbi could now be given a run on against South Africa A.
The squad is dominated by foreign-based players, including those plying their trade in South Africa, United Kingdom, Spain, the United Arab Emirates, Brazil, France, Poland and Bahrain. Kamubvumbi is one of the few locals alongside captain Hilton Mudariki, Kudzai Mashawi, Aiden Burnett, Trevor Gurwe and Tadiwanashe Gwashu.
Coincidentally, five of six local-based players called up play for local giants Old Hararians, while Gwashu is on the books of Harare Sports Club.
Unattached Tapiwa Mafura, Edward Sigauke, Bornwell Gwinji, Brendon Mudzekenyedzi, Keegan Jourbert, Liam Larkin, Farai Mudariki and Dylan Utete have also been included.
There are also new faces such as Dale Lemon, Daniel Cooke, Michael Kumbirayi, Tjide Visser and Gary Porter.
Lemon and Cooke are both based in the UK, while Kumbirayi and Porter play in South Africa. Visser is at French club Rugby Club Massy Essonne.
As the two sides brace for the clash Springboks assistant coach Deon Davids said that his South Africa ‘A’ team won’t be taking Zimbabwe lightly this weekend.
“If you look at their team now, they have (lock) Gary Porter from the Stormers, (flank) Tino Mavesere from the Sharks, and (wing/fullback) Tapiwa Mafura of the Lions. They are good players.
“Looking at their coaching staff, they have guys who can give them good systems, like former Stormers coach Gert Smal, who has been with them for a while and will give their forwards good structure.
Zimbabwe squad
Forwards: Victor Mupunga, Tjide Visser, Matthew Mandioma, Liam Larkin, Farai Mudariki, Bornwell Gwinji, Michael Kumbirai, Dale Lemon, Gary Porter, Blithe Mavesere, Daniel Cooke, Dylan Utete, Tadiwanashe Gwashu, Aiden Burnett, Simbarashe Siraha, Kudakwashe Nyakufaringwa.
Backs: Hilton Mudariki, Keegan Joubert, Bruce Houston, Edward Siguake, Tatenda Kamubvumbi, Kudzai Mashawi, Dion Khumalo, Trevor Gurwe, Tapiwa Mafura, Brendon Mudzekenyedzi
