Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Zimbabwe Sables, the nation’s senior men’s rugby team, are steeling themselves for a formidable challenge as they face Zambia today in the return leg of the Zambezi Series. The crucial match is set to take place at the Leopards Hill Polocrosse Club in Lusaka.
Confidence is high within the Sables camp, following their emphatic 70-15 victory over Zambia in the first leg of the Battle of the Zambezi at Harare Sports Club on 4 May. This impressive win was swiftly followed by another dominant performance, as Zimbabwe dismantled Botswana 80-12 at the same venue on May 10.
Skipper Hilton Mudariki, the Sables’ scrum-half, revealed the squad’s buoyant mood ahead of the fixture. However, he anticipates a tough encounter from the hosts, acknowledging that healthy competition for places within the team is a positive sign for their overall strength.
“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 named his squad on Thursday before their departure, featuring an experienced front row anchored by France-based hooker Simbarashe Mandioma, alongside Spain-based props Tyran Fagan and Bornwell Gwinji. To bolster their physicality, Benade opted for a 6-2 split on the bench, favouring six forwards as impact players.
The Sables’ technical team has also been strengthened by the arrival of technical advisor Gert Smal. These matches are crucial preparation for the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup in Uganda this July, which serves as the direct qualifier for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. The Sables, defending champions of the Africa Cup, are aiming for their first World Cup qualification since 1991.
“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, the 2025 Bulawayo Metropolitan Rugby Football Board (BMRFB) Archer Clothing Rugby League kicks off today with a packed schedule of four matches. The action begins early with two women’s fixtures. At 12:30 PM, Panthers will go head-to-head with Matabeleland Lions, followed by Matabeleland Warriors locking horns with Bulldogs at 1:10 PM.
The men’s season then gets underway at 2:00 PM, featuring last season’s runners-up, Matabeleland Warriors, against Bulldogs. The day culminates in a highly anticipated clash at 3:30 PM, as defending champions Old Miltonians (OMs) take on Highlanders.
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
