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Tinashe Kusema, Tinashe [email protected]
THERE was a renewed sense of focus as the Zimbabwe Sables trooped back into camp earlier this week.
While the main focus remains their impending double-header against Zambia in a fortnight, the locally-based ensemble was greeted with some exciting news upon their return.
For one, the Sables are set to end their seven-year wait to grace the hallowed grounds of Hartsfield when they play the second leg of the “Battle of the Zambezi” on May 2.
The first match is scheduled for April 25 at Harare Sports Club’s Machinery Exchange Grounds.
“It’s special going back to Hartsfield,” said skipper Hilton Mudariki.
“Zambia are a quality side, something that they have shown us over the years.
“So, for us, it’s a really good test and an important game to measure ourselves and keep improving.
“I couldn’t think of a better stadium to play them than Hartsfield, which is a historic venue for Zimbabwe rugby.
“It means a lot to both us and the fans.
“We know the support there is always strong, so it’s something we are really looking forward to,” he said.
Mudariki is no stranger to the venue as he has played taken part in many battles at Hartsfield.
He also has many “special memories” there, one being the 30-29 Victoria Cup victory over Kenya back in 2019.
What made the game stand out was the fact that Kenya led 29-27 at the death before Mudariki’s stepped up with a match-winning penalty.
The result ensured Zimbabwe kept their unbeaten run in the competition intact on their way to the Victoria Cup title.
“Yeah, it remains my most cherished memory at the venue,” said the Zimbabwe captain.
“We beat Kenya by a point and I was fortunate enough being the one to slot in the winning kick.
“I remember the atmosphere that day and the way the crowd got behind us made it even more special.
“It’s a moment that will stay with me forever,” he said.
The Zimbabwe Rugby union has published the full Sables schedule with the biggest addition being that the match against South Africa A has now been confirmed.
Unfortunately, the status of the Victoria Cup remains up in the air with the tournament likely to return after the July international window.
“We had hoped that we could squeeze in the tournament before the start of the Nations Cup but the calendars between us and our opponents are yet to link up,” said ZRU general manager Takunda TJ Chifokoyo.
“The Kenya and Uganda seasons are at critical points and as such it looks like we may have to push the tournament to, maybe, after the first rounds of the Nations Cup,” he said.
As far as replacements go, a match against a South Africa A side is an improvement.
The Zimbabwe Sables will kick off a blockbuster day of international rugby when they face the South Africa ‘A’ side at the iconic Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on June 28.
The encounter will serve as the high-octane curtain-raiser to the season-opening clash between the Springboks and the Barbarians.
“It’s exciting for us.
“Playing the South Africa A side is a big test and a great opportunity to measure ourselves against quality opposition,” said Mudariki.
“It’s a very important match.
“Matches like that help us sharpen up, build combinations and get clarity in our structures before we head into the Nations Cup.
“The mood in camp now is really good, a mixture of nerves and a lot of excitement.
“The boys are more focused now, working hard and looking forward to what’s ahead,” he said
The Zimbabwe camp received a huge boost following the arrival of France-based forward Michael Kumbirai.
Kumbirai is set to slot into the forward pack and could get a run as early as the April 25 match against Zambia.
“He is a great addition to the group and a quality player, said Mudariki .
“He has been on our radar for a while now, so it’s good to have him in the group finally,” he said.
Online Reporter