Mashawi revels in leadership role

Tinashe Kusema

Zimpapers Sports Hub

KUDZAI MASHAWI has taken to his leadership with the Sables outfit like a fish to water.

As one of the team’s senior “statesmen” and co-vice-captain, a lot is expected of Zimbabwe in the lead-up to the inaugural World Rugby Nations Cup in July.

The 32-year-old was handed the captain’s armband on Tuesday evening as the Zimbabwe A side ran away 59-0 winners against Northern Region Invitational select side in South Africa.

“It is truly a great feeling, leading the team, and one I take very seriously,” said Mashawi.

“We carried a lot of youngsters here to South Africa and I have decided the best way to lead is to do so from the front.

“Talk less, do more as actions always speak louder than words.

“Actions are always going to rally the team and it helps that everyone knows their role and what is expected of them.

“It makes my life easier and it is always a shared responsibility rather than a one-man band,” he said.

Mashawi’s experience is key in coach Piet Benade’s squad currently away in South Africa with a predominantly local-based side going under the banner Zimbabwe A.

Tuesday’s match signalled the start of a busy schedule for the Zimbabwe senior rugby team as they also host Zambia and Botswana next month before the Victoria Cup returns in May or June.

The actual dates of the Rugby Africa Victoria Cup are yet to be finalised but the Zimbabwe Rugby Union Interim Management Committee have already received a buy-in from Uganda, Kenya and Namibia, the participants of the tournament.

Zimbabwe will then wrap their preparations with a match against South Africa A, formerly South Africa’s Emerging side, which will act as a curtain raiser to the clash between the Springboks and the Barbarians at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on June 20.

But that is then

For now, Benade is focused on the two-match visit to South Africa, from Tuesday’s resounding win over the Northern Region invitational side, delighted Mashawi.

For Mashawi, getting back on the field and playing some competitive rugby was more important than the win itself.

“It is always a great feeling to get the “W”, regardless of how it comes, you just pick the good and note the bad or areas that need work. “We were just happy to finally get out there, play some competitive rugby and get rid of the rust from the months of inactivity.

“The conditions were not ideal but I am happy that the boys stuck it through.

“We stuck to the basics, played well in patches and now we look forward to the next game this weekend,” he said.

Zimbabwe complete their short visit with a game against Louis Trichardt Club tomorrow night.

A common fixture in the South Africa Gold Cup, Louis Trichardt are a huge step up and should give the Zimbabwe A side a good run for their money.

While a huge victory, the Sables’ 59-0 win on Tuesday was far from perfect.

“In terms of positives, I think we played rather well given the wet conditions this side.

“Physically, we dominated them and we were faster and we defended well to shut them out.

“However, there is a lot of room for improvement, particularly, in the backs department.

“We not as accurate and could have done better in terms of decision-making,” he said.

Benade rested skipper Hilton Mudariki and other seasoned players as he sought to assess more players.

Mudariki is now likely to return to the starting line-up and resume his leadership duties tomorrow.

Mashawi and Aiden Burnett, much like they have done in the past, are the team’s co-vice-captains and are among the senior statesmen in a blended squad that includes some young and notable names such as Brendon Mason, Carlos Matematema, and Tapiwa Muberekwa.

They also have a strong forward pack featuring Godfrey Magaramombe and Polite Phiri. Mashawi was pleased with what he saw from the young Turks in the team.

“We have got some young exciting players coming up in the system,” said the Zimbabwe A skipper.

“It was great to see some of them come off the bench and add so much fire power and depth to the team.

“Even those that started, held their own, and they fit into the team so seamlessly.

“Stand-out performers included the likes of Brendan Mason, who came on and played very well.

“Wayne Kunaka is another youngster that played exceptionally well.

“Almost every one of them put their hand up and did a good job,” added Mashawi.