Online Reporter
FRESH from receiving a huge motivational boost from President Mnangagwa, Zimbabwe’s Sables get a chance to take another giant leap towards fulfilling their 2027 World Cup dream.
Zimbabwe face off against rivals Kenya in a Rugby Africa Cup semi-final showdown at Nelson Mandela stadium in Kampala, Uganda tomorrow.
The huge encounter kicks-off at 3pm.
President Mngangagwa challenged the Sables to fly the country’s flag high by being exemplary ambassadors.
The President also handsomely rewarded the Sables with a massive US$100 000 injection that should spur them to defend the Rugby Africa Cup title.
He emphasized that the Sables’ participation on the international arena makes them brand ambassadors of Zimbabwe, tasked with promoting the country’s image and interests.
“Your participation in the international arena, the Sables, automatically makes you brand ambassadors of Zimbabwe.
“I therefore challenge you to utilise this role as sports diplomats to promote our country’s image, tourism and investment prospects under our engagement and re-engagement policy,” said President Mnangagwa.
By virtue of being the defending champions following their 29-3 cup final triumph over Alegria in last year’s tournament, the Sables will start as favourites in tomorrow’s match.
The Sables received yet another boost yesterday and are now set to unleash a secret weapon on the Simba after one of their foreign-based stars got the eligibility clearance that Zimbabwe needed under the World Rugby and Rugby Africa regulations.
Bruce Houston is expected to join the likes of Ian Prior and skipper Hilton Mudariki in driving the Sables.
The 26-year-old Houston, a former Ireland Under-20 stand-out and Cornish Pirates playmaker arrives at a time when the Sables need all the arsenal they can get to cross the line and end 34 years of waiting to be at the World Cup.
A dynamic utility back capable of operating at flyhalf, inside centre, wing, or fullback, Houston adds firepower and tactical depth to Zimbabwe’s backline.
He could prove to be the bogeyman for opposition defences in this critical World Cup race where only the African champions are guaranteed an automatic ticket.
The intensity of tomorrow’s assignment against perennial campaigners Kenya is, however, not lost on the Sables
With qualification for the 2027 Rugby World Cup hanging in the balance, the intensity of the fixture is not lost on the Zimbabwean squad.
Skipper Mudariki emphasised the importance of self-belief and squad depth. – Sports Reporter/ZRU Media
