Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
JUNIOR Sables head coach Shaun De Souza has vowed a fierce comeback after Zimbabwe’s Under-20 rugby team suffered a tough 41-22 defeat to Namibia in their opening match of the 2025 Barthes Trophy — their first loss in four years!
The clash, hosted at Old Hararians Sports Club, saw the young Sables outmuscled by the Namibian Welwitschias, leaving fans stunned and the team searching for answers.
“It was a hard pill to swallow,” said De Souza. “This was our biggest loss under my leadership and the first defeat to Namibia since 2020. But this team has what it takes to be among the best I’ve coached — and they’ll prove it.”
De Souza promised a revamped, tactically sharper side when they take on Tunisia this Wednesday at 3PM, urging fans to fill the stands and rally behind the boys.
Off the field, the Barthes Trophy is also doubling as a tourism showcase, with the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) backing the event and naming the Junior Sables as Tourism Ambassadors.
“We’re not just playing rugby — we’re marketing Zimbabwe’s beauty and hospitality,” said De Souza. “Let’s make this a festival of sport and culture. All roads lead to Old Hararians!”
Namibia may have drawn first blood, but Zimbabwe’s cubs are ready to roar again. Don’t miss the Tunisia showdown — it’s not just a game, it’s redemption time!
