adminNgoni Dapira
FORMER Old Hararians coach, Cyprian ‘Supa’ Mandenge, will tomorrow (Saturday) be put to test as the Sables (Zimbabwe 15s national rugby team) host Kenya in the opener of the 2015 Confederation of African Rugby Africa Cup Division 1A tournament at Prince Edward High School in Harare. This will be Mandenge’s debut as Sables head coach after replacing Brendan Dawson in January and signing a four-year contract as the gaffer.
The CAR 1A tournament kicked off last week with the World Cup-bound Namibians luckily edging Tunisia 19-14 through a timely 76th minute try.
Namibia was down 12-14 until the last minutes of game time.
The CAR 1A tournament each year draws four teams with the bottom team facing relegation.
The 2015 edition consists of Namibia, Zimbabwe, Kenya and Tunisia.
Tunisia bounced back following the relegation of Madagascar last year.
Teams that play in Division 1A are the only ones that compete in the International Rugby Board World Cup qualifiers for the African slot.
Last year the Sables narrowly missed out on qualifying for the 2015 World Cup, after falling to Russia in the repechage match.
South Africa and Namibia will be representing the continent at the 2015 World Cup being hosted by England in September.
Mandenge will have the daunting task to successfully defend the Sable’s slot in Division 1A.
The Sables have been successfully defending their slot since bouncing back in 2010.
Mandenge who once worked as an assistant under Dawson said he was more than ready for the task to develop a ‘super’ squad with the 2019 World Cup in mind.
He said he was happy with the response and fitness of the players who reported for camp and had a very difficult decision in selecting the final 23 men-squad yesterday (Thursday).
“I am happy with the response and turnout because I really had a dilemma selecting the final squad.
“Kenya is no walkover team but I am also not worried because we have our own game plan.
“We have also beaten them before and have home advantage,” he said.
At the 2015 World Cup qualifiers last year in July, the Sables beat Kenya 27-10.
Newly appointed captain, loose head prop, Denford Mutamangira will also be hoping to lead his team to victory in the opener.
He takes over the reins from Daniel Hondo who resigned from playing for the national team last year.
Hondo is now the Cheetahs (Zimbabwe 7s national rugby team) head coach.
Foreign-based players including Lenience Tambwera, Andrew Rose, Lawrence Clemenson, Tafadzwa Chitokwindo and Antipas Kamukwindo are expected to add weight to the squad with their experience.
Mandenge also has several options on the backs with a lot of fast-legs and experienced players such in the mould of Cleopas Makotose, Fortunate Chipendo, Tangai Nemadire, Tichafara Makwanya, Charles Jiji, Stephen Hunduza and Gardner Nechironga.
Online Reporter