Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema
Zimpapers Sports Hub
PIET BENADE has backed his rookie players to excel when Zimbabwe meet Zambia in the second of the back to back international rugby tests between the two nations.
Sables coach Benade yesterday threw his weight behind national Under-20 captain Emmanuel Gabi and Zvikomborero Chimoto, who have been thrown in the front row for this afternoon’s tie at Hartsfield.
The duo has been brought in as direct replacements for Michael Kumbirai and Deanne Makoni, who have left camp to return their respective clubs in France and South Africa.
Benade has a clean bill of health in his squad and is unlikely to tinker much with his team.
“Michael Kumbirai and Deanne Makoni our two starting props have returned to their clubs providing opportunities for young Emmanuel Gabi and Zvikomborero Chimoto to step up into the starting position,” said Benade.
“The team managed to get through the first clash with a relatively clean bill of health, so that is a good thing for us,” he said.
Zimbabwe managed to squeeze a 43-31 victory over their Zambian neighbours with the match receiving mixed reviews from fans and critics.
However, the Sables have a chance to atone for that performance when they square off against the Lechwes.
While acknowledging some weaknesses, Benade, however, defended his men.
“The game was a good starting point for us and a nice opportunity to introduce some players who were previously on the radar, but couldn’t make it due to various reasons,” said Benade.
“We scored a few good tries and created good opportunities to score so that is a positive.
“We would like to be a bit sharper in the next game and then have our defence just maintain their patience and discipline.
“This will help restrict the Zambians from getting easy opportunities to gain territory where their lineout and forwards put us under pressure at times,” he said.
The build up to today’s match has been dominated by the Zambian camp who appear to have their tails up and are baying for blood.
Last weekend’s match gave a sense of belief with their vice-captain Mphatso Mwashi promising an all-out war
“We are definitely going to win,” said Mwashi.
“We have to win at all costs, it’s been a long time coming.
“If we can just do the basics right, sort out the silly mistakes from the last weekend and just stick to our plan, then we should be able to pull it off.
“I strongly believe it,” he said.
