Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Lady Sables are locked, loaded and ready for war as they kick off their 2025 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup Division One campaign against hosts Cote d’Ivoire at Stade Auguste Denise on Friday evening.
Led by newly appointed skipper Skumbuzo Muchenje, Zimbabwe has named a fiery starting XV brimming with power, pace and potential — with one eye on the ultimate prize: a ticket to the elite Rugby Africa Cup.
Front-row powerhouses Muchenje (loose-head prop) and Vimbai Dewa (tight-head prop) will be laying the foundation, while vice-captain Tarren Munodaani takes control at fly-half.
The squad also features teenage sensation Gabriella Chawatama, who will don the number four jersey in what’s expected to be a breakout performance.
Rounding off the danger on the wings are Rufaro Tagarira and Ruvimbo Mudyanadzo, who’ll be looking to tear through the Ivorian defence.
Notably absent from the sidelines will be head coach Nsikelelo “Sykes” Sibanda, grounded by work commitments. But Sykes isn’t totally out of play.
“I will be with the team in spirit and watching online. In fact, we have been in daily contact and we have a working plan for me to talk to the team during the half-time break. The team arrived well and appear to be in good spirits ahead on the tournament opener,” said Sibanda.
Takudzwa Ngirazi will step in as interim head coach.
The tournament pits Zimbabwe, Cote d’Ivoire, Uganda and Tunisia against each other, with only the top team advancing to join Africa’s rugby heavyweights — South Africa, Kenya and Madagascar.
Kick-off is at 18:00PM, and the match will be streamed live on the Rugby Africa website.
Lady Sables’ Starting XV:
Skumbuzo Muchenje (captain), Tariro Nyamudeza, Vimbai Dewa, Gabriella Chawamata, Mercy Runesu, Ericka Mack, Hazel Njaya, Tanaka Mutaramutswa, Ropafadzo Muzanechita, Tarren Munodaani, Rufaro Tagarira, Nokutenda Shoriwa, Pauline Sianga,
Ruvimbo Mudyanadzo, Kudzai Chirinda.
Impact Players:
Patience Harubereki, Mbalenhle Mzizi, Mabel Marungweni, Natalia Nyabinde, Chiwoniso Mabika, Kudzai Wasili, Memory Moyo, Cleopatra Kadimu.
– @brandon_malvin
