Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema, [email protected]
TAPIWA MAFURA has many firsts to look forward too over the next couple of weeks when the “Battle of the Zambezi” takes centre stage.
The “Battle of the Zambezi” is the nickname given to the sporting duals between Zimbabwe and Zambia, who share a long rich history in football, netball, boxing and basketball among other disciplines.
The title is derived from the Zambezi River, which forms the border between the two nations.
In rugby, the regional derby has become an annual staple, which usually kicks off Zimbabwe’s Test calendar with the Sables technical using this fixture to blood in new players and give some of the local guys some game time.
However, for Mafura, the 30-year old Zimbabwe full back, significance of the fixture, rivalry and Hartsfield are all alien concepts.
“The Zimbabwe and Zambia match-up is a budding rivalry, which I have never been part of,” said Mafura.
“So, I’m very excited to be involved in this match and already looking forward to that first match
“The preparations for the Zambia game are going on well.
“We know what to expect and we are focusing on what we would like to achieve this weekend,” he said.
The derby kicks off on Saturday at Harare Sports Club’s Machinery Exchange Grounds with the second match slated for May at Hartsfield. “We are heading to Hartsfield for the second Test, and that’s going to be an amazing match to be involved in,” he said
“It’s going to be my first time playing at Hartsfield and I’m looking forward to it.
“I lived in Bulawayo once as a child but never played at the venue, so I’m excited for that game.
Mafura joined the Sables’ camp this past week with the early indications being that Mafura will immediately get thrown into the fray to give him the much-needed game time.
Mafura did not see as much action as he is accustomed to with the Lions in South Africa this past season.
He did, however, have a good season and, more importantly, joined camp injury-free.
“The season went well and I feel great,” he said.
“There are no injuries at all and I recently joined camp to be with the boys.
“It feels good to be back with the team.
“The first couple of sessions were not too bad.
“I had to refresh my memory a bit, but it didn’t take long for me to catch on and get back into the swing of things,” he said.
The double-header between Zimbabwe and Zambia is set to kick off a busy period for the Sables as they ready themselves for the World Rugby Nations Cup during the July international window.
Zimbabwe open their Nations Cup campaign with a crunch tie against Tonga in United States of America on July 4.
However, before that, the Sable also have a date against a South Africa A side.
This match will serve as the high-octane curtain-raiser to the clash between the Springboks and the Barbarians and is slated for June 28 at the iconic Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
“The South Africa A match in June being confirmed is massive for everyone involved,” he said.
“I think, for me, it’s a chance to test myself against some of the best players in South Africa before heading to the Nations Cup in July.
“Its an important game because it will definitely help the coaches and players to know exactly where we are as a team and what adjustments need to be made in terms of preparations for the opening game against Tonga,” said Mafura.
He added; “there’s more excitement than nerves.
“This is what we have all been working hard towards, to reach a point where we get to play in a competition like this.
“Now it’s time to take things to the next level by doing well, keeping the World Cup in mind.
