More at stake in rugby

Cyprian “Supa” Mandenge and manager Losson Mtongwiza.
The selection process is for the Sables’ assignments in the Namibia invitational tournament set for next month in Windhoek with Zimbabwe expected to take on Namibia, Spain and South Africa Buffaloes.
The Sables are expected to battle the hosts, the Welwitschias, in their opening game on the 10th of November, followed by a match against Spain three days latter before rounding off with a date against South Africa Buffaloes on November 17.
Harare Sports Club are tipped to lift the league championship given their good run this season.
They have the majority of players in the national team and have been in the last five finals and lifted the cup twice.
Yesterday, Mtongwiza indicated that they will name a squad of 40 at the end of the final on Saturday, with preparations expected to start on Monday.
The squad will also include foreign-based players.
However, the Scotland-based duo of Denford Mutamangira and Shingai Mpofu will not be available for duty while Galashiels winger Gerald Sibanda is also unlikely to be available.
“We have been asked to bring a squad of 27 players for the tournament and so, for a start, we will name a training squad of 40 that will get down to business on Monday and it will be a mixture of both foreign-based and locally-based players.
“We would have loved to have a look at players that are overseas, the likes of (former Young Sables pair of (Takudzwa) Mandiwanza, who is in England, and Takura Tela in the United States and others in Australia.
“But the fact that we do not have much money has restricted us to looking at those that are here (in Zimbabwe) and those in South Africa because we can’t afford to fly them in.
“There are a lot of players who have interest in playing for Zimbabwe who are abroad and if they are able to fly themselves in, we do not have a problem with that,” said the former Zimbabwe Rugby Union vice-president.
Mtongwiza yesterday said the final would be a wonderful opportunity for the technical team to have a good look at some players.
“There might be some players that we could have not included on our initial list and given the tension, pressure and intensity this game is expected to have, there is a chance that some players might rise to the occasion and come in as a surprise.”
Mtongwiza acknowledges that it is going to be a tough outing for the side as both Spain (20) and Namibia (22) are ranked above the Sables (29) on the International Rugby Board world rankings.
This has given the technical team the urge to field the strongest possible squad.
South Africa-based strength and conditioning coach, Nico de Villiers, who is also a forwards’ coach, is expected to have a second stint with the Sables in their preparations.
“Nico will be coming in early next month for a fitness run with the players and we will also trim the squad close to the time of departure for the tournament.
Probable Sables Squad
Tatenda Karuru, Piet Joubert, Constantine Dinha, Jan Ferreira, Jacques Leitao, Norman Mukondiwa, Scotty Jones, Tichafara Makwanya, Kudakwashe Chiwanza, Daniel Hondo, Josh Rowe, Gardner Nechironga, Tangai Nemandire, Brian Makamure, Jakov Jakov, Prayer Chitenderu, Fortune Chipendu, Takunda Chifokoyo, Charles Jiji, Lenience Tambwera, Raymond De Jong, Cleopas Makotose, Nick Winwood, Tommy Nelson, Ross Andersen, Graham Kaulback, Tafadzwa Chitokwindo, Vakai Hove, Justin Coles, Kudakwashe Makuvire, Jonathan Goosen, Devon Esbach, Simba Mandioma,  Tinashe Bopoto, Danny Robertson, Lloyd Machanjaire, Paul Staak, Wes Mbanje, Gavin Nyawata, Shayne Makombe, Steve Hunduza, Biselele Tshamala.