Mutamangira boost for sables

Takudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE’S Sables received a huge boost ahead of their departure for Uganda this morning, with captain Denford Mutamangira being certified fit to play in Saturday’s make-or-break Africa Gold tie against the Cranes at the Legend Rugby Club in Kampala. There had been doubts over Mutamangira’s availability for the crunch encounter which the Sables have to win to stay in the hunt for a place in the 2019 Rugby World Cup qualifiers.

The big prop sustained a shoulder injury that forced a premature end to his participation in last Saturday’s Gold Cup clash against Tunisia.

Mutamangira’s injury had left the senior team’s technical crew fretting at a time Zimbabwe need to fortify their defensive lines for the showdown against the Cranes, which is a must-win assignment for them.

The big prop, who had underlined his commitment to the Sables cause by earlier vowing to take to the field even if after he had been declared half-fit, completed a remarkable recovery to be included among four props who also include Lawrence Cleminson, Irvine Nduwa, and Mathew Mandioma.

Mandioma, who plays for St Petersburg in South Africa, was not part of the side that fell to a shock 31-21 defeat by lowly Tunisia at Prince Edward last Saturday.

That defeat not only further dented Zimbabwe’s chances of a top-three finish but it also pushed the Sables four places down on the World Rugby rankings as they slid from 36th to 40th position.

Saturday’s encounter will provide them with a chance to redeem themselves and force their way into third place in Group A1 that has already been won by Namibia.

By winning the group the Namibians sealed a place at the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

According to the squad released by Sables team manager Sam Samu, Mandioma was the only notable change to the side that also has key players like Fortune Chipendo and Jacques Leitao fully recovering from flu.

Meanwhile, reports from Kampala indicated yesterday that Uganda head coach John Duncan and his assistant Robert Sseguya have made changes to the squad they had named for the clash against the Sables.

Duncan has brought in Byron Oketayot to replace Ronald Musajja at the blind side flank, Philip Wokorach moves to flyhalf from fullback to cover for the injured Ivan Magomu who will start from the bench and James Odong returns from injury to start at fullback.

SQUADS:
Zimbabwe:
Denford Mutamangira (Captain) , Irvine Nduwa Lawrence Cleminson, Kingsley Lang, Fortunate Chipendu, Witness Mandizha, Jacques Leitao, Biselele Tshamala, Njabulo Ndlovu, Hilton Mudariki, Tichafara Makwanya, Stephan Hunduza, Stone Chibuwe, Takudzwa Kumadiro, Tadius Dzandiwanzira, Royal Mwale, Irvine Nduwa, Antipas Kamukwindo, Takudzwa Mandiwanza, Scotty Jones, Gavin Nyawata.

Uganda:
Asuman Mugerwa, Alex Mubiru, Brian Odongo (Captain) Charles Uhuru, Mathias Ochwo, Byron Oketayot, Brian Asaba, Scott Oluoch, Aaron Ofoyrwoth, Philip Wokorach, Lawrence Sebuliba, Pius Ogena, Michael Okorach, Justin Kimono, James Odong, Syrus Watum, Collin Kimbowa, Saul Kivumbi, Robert Aziku, Ronald Musajja, Kevin Makmot, Ivan Magomu, Fred Odur,