Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema
Zimpapers Sports Hub
TAPIWA MAFURA has many firsts to look forward to over the next couple of weeks when the rugby edition of the “Battle of the Zambezi” takes centre stage.
The “Battle of the Zambezi” is the nickname given to the sporting duels between Zimbabwe and Zambia, who share a long rich history in football, netball, boxing and basketball among other disciplines.
Its name originates 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 significance of the fixture, rivalry and Hartsfield are all alien concepts to the 30-year-old Zimbabwe fullback.
“The Zimbabwe and Zambia match-up is a budding rivalry, which I have never been a part of yet,” 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 clashes kick off on Saturday at Harare Sports Club’s Machinery Exchange Grounds with the second match slated for May at Hartsfield.
It is the second encounter at Hartsfield that Mafura holds dearest to his heart.
“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 in 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 last past week with the early indications being that he could be immediately drafted to the starting XV.
He did not see as much action as he is accustomed to with the Lions in South Africa last season and the Sables coaches would want to have him put more games under his belt.
Mafura, had a good season and, more importantly, joined the Sables camp injury-free.
“The season went well and I feel great,” he said.
“There are no injuries at all and 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.
“It’s an important game because it could definitely help the coaches and players 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,” he said.
Mafura also has his eye cast on the Nations Cup.
“There is 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.
