Online Reporter
Zimbabwe’s squad for the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup, with team captain Hilton Mudariki emphasising the importance of staying grounded and respecting every opponent as they seek to defend their title.
Mudariki insisted that all their assignments deserve to be accorded equal significance and said, “Every game is a final.”
The Zimbabwe scrumhalf also noted that the tournament which starts on July 8 in Uganda will be a high-stakes competition, what with automatic qualification to the 2027 Rugby World Cup being the ultimate prize for winning the tourney.
The competition is pencilled for the Mandela National Stadium, in Kampala.
As defending champions, Zimbabwe enter the tournament as clear favourites, having lifted the trophy in Kampala just last year.
Since that moment, preparations for a title defence have been unrelenting, with the squad combining returning core players and dynamic reinforcements.
The Sables have retained most of the 2024 championship-winning squad while welcoming several influential additions.
Speedster Matthew McNab, gritty Jason Fraser, and kicking stalwart Lenience Tambwera make their return to the green-and-white hoops, bringing further experience and depth ahead of what could be a history-making campaign.
Speaking ahead of departure, Mudariki said the team will not be complacent in the pursuit of the championship that guarantees World Cup qualification.
“This is a golden ticket opportunity for Zimbabwean rugby, but we’re not getting ahead of ourselves. Due to the nature of the Africa Cup, every game is a final. The only way to reach the top is by staying grounded, sticking to our systems, and respecting every opponent,” he said.
Zimbabwe begin their campaign with a date against Morocco on July 8.
The winner will qualify for the semi-final, which will be between the winner of the East African match between hosts Uganda and Kenya.
The winner of the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup will qualify directly for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, while the runners-up will earn a spot in the final global repechage tournament.
Mudariki and his troops are scheduled to leave for Uganda in the early hours of Saturday.
MATCH FIXTURES (Local Time – EAT)
Match Day 1 – Tuesday, July 8, 2025
10:00 – Zimbabwe vs Morocco
12:00 – Madagascar vs Mauritius
14:00 – Namibia vs Senegal
16:00 – Kenya vs Uganda
Match Day 2 – Sunday, July 13, 2025
10:00 – Loser Match 2 vs Loser Match 3
12:00 – Loser Match 1 vs Loser Match 4
14:00 – Winner Match 2 vs Winner Match 3
16:00 – Winner Match 1 vs Winner Match 4
Finals Day – Saturday, July 19, 2025
10:00 – 7th Place Final
12:00 – 5th Place Final
14:00 – 3rd Place Final
16:00 – Championship Final
ZIMBABWE SABLES SQUAD – RUGBY AFRICA CUP 2025
Hookers: Bryan Chiang, Simbarashe Mandioma, Liam Larkan
Props: Victor Mpunga, Tyran Fagan, Zvikomborero Chimoto, Cleopas Kundiona, Brian Makamure, Bornwell Gwinji,
Second Row: Kudakwashe Nyakufaringwa, Simbarashe Siraha, Tadiwanashe Gwashu, Brian Nyaude
Back Row: Aiden Burnett, Dylan Utete, Jason Fraser, Godfrey Muzanargwo, Tinotenda Mavesere, Half Backs, Hilton Mudariki (Captain), Keegan Joubert, Ian Prior, Lenience Tambwera, Tyrone Gombe,
Centres: Brandon Mudzekenyedzi, Dion Khumalo, Kudzai Mashawi
Outside Backs: Trevor Gurwe, Matthew McNab, Tapiwa Mafura, Takudzwa Musingwini, Edward Sigauke
TECHNICAL TEAM:
Head Coach: Pieter Benade
Assistant Coaches: Ricky Chirengende
Consultant: Gert Smal
Defence Coach: Senna Esterhuizen
Forwards & Scrum Coach: Joel Carew
Strength & Conditioning: Ghafoer Luckan
General Manager: Takunda Chifokoyo
Team Manager: Tichafara Makwanya
Team Doctor: Dr. Tapfuma Parirenyatwa
Team Physiotherapists: Shumirai Tererai, Alice Becker. — Sports Reporter/ZRU Media
