Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema
Zimpapers Sports Hub
FORMER Stormers and France-based forward Michael Kumbirai was last night expected to jet into the country and join the Zimbabwe Sables ahead of their double-header rugby clashes against Zambia later this month.
Kumbirai becomes the latest foreign-based international to troop in, alongside Giordano Sarpo, as coach Piet Benade’s unit begins to take shape.
Zimbabwe union Interim Management Committee general manager Takunda “TJ” Chifokoyo confirmed Kumbirai’s availability yesterday.
“It is a long process and we are currently in talks with many players who we want to have a look at ahead of the World Rugby Nations Cup,” said Chifokoyo.
“What I can confirm is that Michael Kumbirai is expected to land today from France and join the Sables camp ahead of the Zambia game.
“The coaching staff will have a look at him during the Zambia games and see where he fits in,” he said.
The ZRU have on a number of occasions previously tried without success to entice Kumbirai to come and play for the Sables.
The 29-year-old is believed to have been in line for a call up back in 2022, for the Rugby Africa Cup and 2023 World Cup qualifier tournament in France before a season-ending injury put the push on ice.
In 2024, he also missed out on selection for the Rugby Africa Cup with the Sables technical staff opting for props Victor Mpunga, Tyran Fagan, Zvikomborero Chimoto, Cleopas Kundiona, Brian Makamure and Bornwell Gwinji.
However, the stars seem to have finally aligned for Kumbirai’s long awaited Sables’ debut.
The 29-year-old is currently on the books for Soyaux Angoulême in the France Pro Division Two
He also has 36 senior Currie Cup appearances Western Province (2027-19) and one Super Rugby appearance for the Stormers.
Meanwhile, the Sables calendar appears to also be starting to take shape.
This follows the news that the much-touted match between the Sables and South Africa A has now been confirmed.
Zimbabwe Sables will kick off a blockbuster day of international rugby when they face the South Africa ‘A’ side at the iconic Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on June 28.
The encounter will serve as the high-octane curtain-raiser to the season-opening clash between the Springboks and the Barbarians.
“Yes, the match has been confirmed,” said Chifokoyo.
“This is fantastic opportunity for us to test ourselves given that two weeks later we will be kicking off our Nations Cup campaign with a game against Tonga.
“The South Africa A side is quality opposition and should give us a taste of what to expect in the Nations Cup.
“We feel very privileged to get this opportunity,” he said
Benade also emphasised the significance of the fixture:
“We’re excited for the opportunity to test ourselves against one of the world’s top rugby nations and a truly elite system,” Benade told ZRU media.
“It’s a challenge we embrace and one that promises to push our standards to another level.
“Experiences like this are invaluable.
“They expose our players to the highest level of competition, accelerate their growth and play a key role in the continued development of our squad.
“We are looking forward to the lessons ahead and the chance to showcase our progress on the international stage,” he said.
Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus, weighed in saying; “the match between the SA ‘A’ team and Zimbabwe will serve as a fantastic opportunity for both teams to achieve some of their objectives with the Rugby World Cup in mind.
“From a South African point of view, we have seen the benefits of having an SA, A-team playing against quality opposition,” he said.
