dyton mupawaenda
Brandon Moyo
More than a decade since he last donned the green and white jersey in a bruising World Cup qualification war, Denford Mutamangira is back – only this time, he’s not scrumming down, but shaping the next generation from the sidelines.
The 40-year-old former Sables stalwart, part of the gallant 2014 squad that fell agonisingly short of a place at the 2015 Rugby World Cup, has been roped in as a scrum specialist in Pieter Benade’s growing technical team ahead of the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup.
The tournament – Zimbabwe’s pathway to the 2027 World Cup in Australia – will be staged in Uganda from July 20 to 28.
And for Mutamangira, who once fought tooth and nail against Africa’s best as a player, returning to the fold feels like destiny.
“It’s always an honour to serve your country in any capacity,” Mutamangira told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
“I’m glad to be back and part of the team again – this time with a different kind of responsibility. There’s a real sense that we must do things differently, and coach Benade is already bringing that change. It’s about precision, strategy, and elite preparation.”
The Zimbabwe Rugby Union’s decision to rope in Mutamangira signals a bold and deliberate step in the team’s technical rebuild. With the Sables set to defend their Africa Cup crown, the addition of one of the country’s finest scrummagers of the modern era bolsters the backroom team that already includes forwards coach Joel Carew and his assistant Kevin Nqindi.
Mutamangira is keen to elevate the Sables’ set-piece game – an area that proved critical in their successful 2023 Africa Cup campaign.
“The front row did well last year, but we need to take it a gear higher,” he said.
“That means more emphasis on physical preparation, improved technique, and above all, developing strong mental resilience.”
That last point – mental toughness – is where Mutamangira’s voice grows more passionate.
“High-pressure cooker situations are real. Our mental strength will be key – we should never back down to anyone. We keep fighting till the tank is empty,” he said.
“It’s something the coach has spoken about, and it’s a work in progress. But we’re getting there.”
The 2025 Rugby Africa Cup draw places Zimbabwe in Pool A, alongside continental heavyweights Kenya, Uganda and Morocco. The Sables, top seeds and defending champions, open their campaign at the quarter-final stage against Morocco, who clinched their spot via the Africa Repêchage.
The other Pool A quarter-final promises fireworks, pitting regional rivals Kenya and Uganda in a much-anticipated East African derby.
Pool B features perennial favourites Namibia against Senegal, while Algeria and Cote d’Ivoire square off in the other fixture. If results follow form, Zimbabwe and Namibia are on a collision course in the semi-finals or final – a prospect that brings memories of past heartbreak, but also a quiet confidence.
“Well, I believe we can match them (Namibia) upfront,” said Mutamangira.
“The boys have been working incredibly hard. It’s all about confidence, belief and execution. It won’t be easy, but we’ll prepare the best we can.”
The Sables’ last World Cup dream came crashing down in 2014 when, after finishing second to Namibia, they lost a bruising repêchage against Russia.
For many, that squad represented the golden generation. Now, Mutamangira finds himself helping shape the next one – one scrum, one tackle, one mental win at a time.
And for him, the mission is clear: don’t back down. Not now. Not ever.
Online Reporter