admin Ngoni Dapira
IN June 24, 1995 South Africa’s national rugby team, the Springboks wrote their own history and a history for Africa when they hosted the Rugby World Cup and beat New Zealand 15-12 to clinch the Webb Ellis Cup for the first time.
This was the first case in point to prove that in the world of sport ‘all things are possible’s just like the biblical tale of David versus Goliath.
Tomorrow Zimbabwe’s national 15’s rugby team, Sables, will troop into Krassnoyarsk Stadium in Siberia to face Russia in a crucial one-off repechage match for a spot at the 2015 RWC slated for England.
The Sables will no doubt be out to redeem the nations pride and will have a second shot to write their own history and Africa’s.
While mixed opinions have been put across about the absence of key players like fullback Tangai Nemadire, prop Denford Mutamangira and winger Gerald Sibanda who cited personal reasons for not joining the squad, it is only fair to say the Sables ‘may be’ downtrodden, but not all hope is lost.
Former Sables players, Costa Dinha (90 caps) and Prayer Chitenderu (75 caps) who played for the Sables in many crucial regional and international matches said the team need to play with their ‘hearts’ and not ‘mind’, if they are to triumph in Siberia.
The former Sables captain, Dinha said against all odds of the Russian Bears being bigger in size and ranked 20 on the IRB rankings, coupled by poor preparation, poor player welfare and lack of incentives for the Sables players, national pride and ‘love of the game’ is what will steer the team to victory tomorrow.
“It is sad really that the boys went with little, if not zero incentives to motivate them as they face such a huge task for their country. However, I have walked that road and know most the guys there and the fact is that they all have heart and love for the game above all things.
“That is what it takes to win such games-heart,” said Dinha.
Chitenderu said players like Daniel Hondo, Jacques Leitao and Stephan Hunduza have experience with Russia from Seven’s rugby.
“There are some players like Hondo, Leitao and Hunduza who have played Seven’s rugby against Russia, so they will use their experience in the match.
“Although I feel the team is full of youngsters and have some issues against the selection criteria, I have faith in the team and am optimistic that if they carry the weight of the nation and have that hunger for a RWC appearance, they will win that game.
“A lot is at stake if Zimbabwe qualifies for the 2015 RWC. We will become the first African country to qualify through the repêchage and the 2015 RWC will become the first RWC to have three African countries.
“Not to mention the increase in the grants to the Zimbabwe Rugby Union from the IRB if we win,” said Chitenderu.
The veteran rugby players however, expressed their disappointment towards the current disorganisation and power wrangles in the ZRU towards such crucial times for Zimbabwe’s rugby.
If the Sables win against Russia they will face the victor from the Hong Kong and Uruguay play-off also being played tomorrow in Montevideo in Uruguay.
The decisive tie for a place in Pool A at the World Cup will be played over home and away legs by both victors from tomorrow’s repechage.
Pool A consists of hosts England, Australia, Wales and Fiji.
Zimbabwe has played at the RWC twice during the inaugural World Cup in 1987 upon invite and in 1991 after winning the African Cup qualifiers.
There will be 20 teams and four groups at the 2015 RWC.
The other groups will comprise of Pool D-France, Ireland, Italy, Canada, Romania, Pool C-New Zealand (Defending champions), Argentina, Tonga, Georgia and Pool B-South Africa, Samoa, Scotland, Japan, USA.
Sables squad
Forwards: Pieter Joubert, Keith Murray, Kevin Nqindi, Jan Ferreira, Graeme Lawler, Jacques Leitao, Lambert Groenewald, Lawrence Cleminson, Sanele Sibanda, Matthew Mandioma, Farai Mudariki, Fortune Chipendu, Kingsley Lang, Takunda Chifokoyo.
Backs: Daniel Hondo (captain), Hilton Mudariki, Guy Cronje, Stephan Hunduza, Riaan O’Neill, Tafadzwa Chitokwindo, Peter Du Toit, Lenience Tambwera, Shayne Makombe, Danny Robertson.
Coach: Brendan Dawson
Assistant: Cyprian Mandenge
Manager: Brighton Chivandire
Physio: Sharon Mkumbudzi.
Online Reporter