Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema
Zimpapers Sports Hub
TAPIWA MAFURA had a moment of self-reflection and brutal honesty as he stood at the centre of the pitch while fans queued up for a photo opportunity and an autograph from the Zimbabwe Sables last Saturday.
The 30-year-old had just seen his team labour to a 43-31 win over Zambia at Harare Sports Club’s Machinery Exchange Grounds.
It was the first of back-to-back ties between the two sides, with second slated for Hartsfield this weekend.
However, the match was also Mafura’s first match on home soil, and the 30-year-old fullback probably had higher expectations for his long-awaited homecoming.
“I think the match was good,” said Mafura.
“Obviously, it being our first one for the season, despite the roughness, I thought we did well to score some nice tries.
“The forwards also did well in the mauls and the scrums, and I was also very impressed with David Hayes’ kicking.
“I am, however, not entirely happy and satisfied with our overall performance.
“I don’t think the result is a good reflection of how the team can really perform, and I think we are way better than what the score says.
“However, like I said, it’s the first game together, and I think we will do better at Hartsfield,” he said.
What did stand-out for Mafura was the huge turnout as Harare Sports Club was a sea of green and white after fans thronged the venue in their numbers.
Online tickets were sold out on the eve of the match while an even bigger number turned out as security could be seen struggling to contain the numbers midday through the match.
Mafura also managed to score on his debut alongside Godfrey Magaramombe’s brace and tries from Aiden Burnett, Liam Larkin, Tadiwanashe Gwashu and Vuyani Dhlomo.
Zambia hit back with tries from Gift Mulwila, Rodgers Mukupa, Misheck Mbala and a brace from Alex Mwewa, who also chipped in with three conversions.
“My debut was even better than I imagined, and I think the fans were unbelievable,” said Mafura.
“This was arguably one of the best crowds I have ever played in front of in my career.
“I loved it,” he said.
Like many who watched the match, Mafura was also impressed by newboy David Hayes, who literally stole the show with his boot.
“I think the highlight for me today (Saturday) was David (Hayes),” said Mafura.
“I think his kicking was out of this world today with one particular one leaving breathless.
“He cleared the ball from our 22 and into the opposition’s 22 which was very impressive.
“That was amazing and I am looking forward to seeing more of what he can do as we play together more and more,” he said.
Next up now is another debut for Mafura when he plays his first international game at Hartsfield this coming weekend.
It is a match that the Zimbabwe fullback is very much looking forward to given his history with Bulawayo.
“I’m very excited,” he said.
“I mean, I lived in Bulawayo for a year when I was still very young but never really got the chance to play at Hartsfield.
“I have never played in the venue at all.
“I was very young when I lived in Bulawayo, and it was only for about a year, so this will be like my first visit there.
“I can’t remember much of my stay there and so I am excited to get this chance to go there and make new memories,” he said.
