Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema, Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Zimbabwe Sables have barely caught their breath from one training camp and already the focus has shifted to the next challenge.
With the countdown to their showdown against South Africa A gathering pace, Zimbabwe’s rugby flagship is entering the most demanding phase of a season that could shape the country’s World Cup ambitions.
The Sables face South Africa A on June 20 at Nelson Mandela Stadium in Gqeberha in a high-profile curtain raiser to the Springboks’ season opener against the Barbarians.
From there, the turnaround is brutal.
Zimbabwe will head straight into the World Rugby Nations Cup campaign in North America, where they face a demanding schedule against three tough opponents in as many countries.
The Sables open their Nations Cup campaign against 2027 Rugby World Cup pool rivals Tonga on July 4 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Denver, Colorado.
A week later, they take on hosts USA at American Legion Memorial Stadium before rounding off the tour against Canada at Princess Auto Stadium on July 18.
With those assignments looming, intensity levels have risen in camp.
“There is definitely excitement and anticipation within the group,” said captain Hilton Mudariki.
“We have worked hard over the last few months and now it’s about trusting the process and making sure we are ready for the opportunities that lie ahead.
“The mood has been very positive, with some of the younger players and recent arrivals settling in rather well.
“They have brought great energy and a real hunger to learn, which has lifted the group.”
Zimbabwe returned home at the weekend after completing the first of two key camps in South Africa, where they trained alongside the Blue Bulls.
For Mudariki, the trip provided a valuable reality check as the team continues to build combinations and sharpen systems ahead of a packed international window.
“It was definitely a good trip,” he said.
“We made good progress with our combinations, systems and overall understanding of how we want to play.
“There is still work to do, but we are in a much stronger position now.
“The Blue Bulls camp was extremely valuable.
“It challenged us, exposed the players to a high-performance environment and gave us a clearer picture of where we are as a team and what we need to improve.”
One of the biggest gains, according to the skipper, has been how quickly the squad has gelled despite the influx of foreign-based players joining the programme.
The captain was particularly encouraged by the attitude shown across the group.
“We showed good physicality and work rate,” said Mudariki.
“The areas for improvement remain consistency, execution under pressure and maintaining accuracy for the full 80 minutes.
“The adaptation was solid, with the senior players and staff helping the guys settle in.
“Everyone has embraced the challenge and integrated well into the team environment.”
Just as importantly, the Sables emerged from the camp without any major injury concerns.
“We have a few bumps and niggles, which is normal, but nothing major.
“The focus now is on making sure everyone is in the best possible condition for the upcoming fixtures.”
The hard work is far from over.
If the South Africa A clash will offer a measure of where Zimbabwe stand, the Nations Cup will provide something even more important, a glimpse of whether the Sables are truly ready to compete with the calibre of opposition they hope to face on rugby’s biggest stage.
derick.khumalo