Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Zimbabwe senior men’s national rugby team, the Sables, are bracing for a stern test when they face Zambia in the return leg of the Zambezi Series at the Leopards Hill Polocrosse Club in Lusaka, Zambia today.
The Sables head into the match riding a wave of confidence after convincingly winning the first leg of the Battle of the Zambezi, played at Harare Sports Club on May 4, where they thumped Zambia 70–15. Following that emphatic victory, Zimbabwe went on to dismantle Botswana 80–12 at the same venue on May 10.
Skipper Hilton Mudariki said the squad is full of belief heading into today’s encounter. The Sables’ seasoned scrumhalf anticipates a tough challenge from the hosts and welcomes the intense competition for places in the team.
“There are exciting times ahead of the team as some of the guys that are based overseas have flown in and there is a real buzz about this Zambian match. We know how much of a tough game Zambia will give us, especially every time we play them when they are hosting.
“Competition for places has been intense, these are the sort of problems you want the coach to have. You want it to be as competitive as possible. Our preparations have been very good, especially because we started training earlier this year and a lot more guys have been available. There is a real competition internally for starting spots within the team,” said Mudariki.
Head coach Pieter Benade announced his match day squad on Thursday before the team departed for Lusaka.
The front row is anchored by French-based veteran hooker Simbarashe Mandioma, bringing valuable international experience to the scrum. Flanking him are Spain based powerhouses Tyran Fagan and Bornwell Gwinji, two formidable props set to bring muscle and aggression to the forward pack.
Reinforcing that physical approach, Benade has opted for a 6–2 split on the bench, six forwards and just two backs, underscoring his intent to dominate the breakdowns and set-pieces.
As the Sables prepare for Zambia’s challenge, their technical team has been strengthened by the arrival of highly respected technical advisor Gert Smal, whose pedigree in international rugby adds an extra layer of expertise to the setup.
These Zambezi Series matches form a critical part of Zimbabwe’s preparations for the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup, scheduled for July in Uganda. The tournament doubles as a qualifier for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
The Sables, eager to end a long absence from the global stage, are targeting their first World Cup qualification since 1991. They will head into the Africa Cup as defending champions, having clinched the title last year, their first in over a decade.
“Overall, we are excited about this Zambian weekend as one of the final steps into our preparations for the Africa Cup in July,” said Mudariki.
Meanwhile, back on the domestic front, the 2025 Bulawayo Metropolitan Rugby Football Board (BMRFB) Archer Clothing Rugby League kicks off today, with four matches lined up.
The action begins with two women’s fixtures to open the season. The day’s curtain-raiser features the Panthers against Matabeleland Lions at 12:30PM, followed by Matabeleland Warriors taking on Bulldogs at 1:10 PM.
At 2:00 PM, the men take centre stage with last season’s runners up, Matabeleland Warriors, squaring off against Bulldogs in what promises to be a fiery contest. The day concludes with a heavyweight showdown at 3:30 PM, where defending champions Old Miltonians (OMs) lock horns with Highlanders.
Gate charges have been pegged at US$1, offering fans an affordable opportunity to witness the region’s best rugby talent in action.
Zimbabwe Sables Starting XV:
Tyran Fagan, Simbarashe Mandioma, Bornwell Gwinji, David Makamba, Nyasha Shiripinda, Dylan Utete, Brian Nyaude, Aiden Burnett (Vice-Captain), Hilton Mudariki (Captain), Lenience Tambwera, Edward Sigauke, Kudzai Mashawi, Dion Khumalo, Trevor Gurwe, Takudzwa Musingwini
Impact Players: Zvikomborero Chimoto, Bryan Chiang, Brian Makamure, Takunda Kundishora, Tadiwanashe Gwashu, Vuyani Dhlomo, Tyrone Gombe, Tapiwa Malenga
