Sables getting ready, foreign legion in

FOREIGN-based Zimbabwe rugby players are expected to join the rest of the camp this week as the team intensifies its preparations for the forthcoming 2024 Rugby Africa Cup that will be hosted in Uganda in a couple of weeks.

The Sables squad has been hard at work in preparation for the continental showdown, which serves as the first step to the 2027 Rugby World Cup qualification hurdle and will be boosted by the coming in of their foreign-based players.

Six players are expected to join the rest of the squad this week as the Piet Benade-led Sables coaching staff assembles a strong side for the continental showpiece.

The Africa Cup is scheduled for July 18 to 30.
The six players expected in camp this week are Liam Larkan, Tinotenda Blythe Mavesere, Cleopas Kundiona, Edward Sigauke, Tapiwa Mafura and Dylan Utete.

Mavesere won the EPCR Challenge Cup with the South African side, Sharks in May.
Sables’ manager, Takunda Chifokoyo confirmed to Zimpapers Sports that all the foreign-based players will be in camp in the coming days.

Former Australia Under-20 and Western Force captain, Ian Prior joined the squad on Saturday.
Chifokoyo added that the coaches have been working hard in preparing for the tournament and are expecting a good outing in East Africa.

“The preparations are going well. We are getting good sessions in and the players understand the challenge that lies ahead. Ian Prior landed yesterday and we are expecting the rest of our foreign-based players to jet in this week to further strengthen the team.

“The coaches are looking forward to a good week of training to work out the kicks and get the squad ready for some big games in Uganda,” said Chifokoyo.
Zimbabwe are scheduled to face the tournament hosts, Uganda in their opening game of the showpiece on July 20 at the newly-refurbished Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.

A win for the Sables against the hosts will see them go on to face the winner between Namibia and Burkina Faso on July 24 in the semi-finals.
The final is scheduled for Sunday, July 28.

The Rugby Africa Cup is a continental men’s rugby union tournament organised by Rugby Africa. The 2024 edition of the tournament features eight nations and these are: Burkina Faso, Namibia, Senegal, Kenya, Algeria, Cote d’Ivoire, Uganda and Zimbabwe.

With the Sables facing Uganda, Namibia will be up against Burkina Faso while Kenya will take on Senegal. Algeria will be up against Cote d’Ivoire in the first round of matches.

The Sables are hoping to qualify for the 2027 Rugby World, which will be their first appearance at the global event since 1991 and have been building a competitive side in a bid to qualify.

They need to stay in the top four of the forthcoming event, which serves as the first stage towards Australia 2027. – @brandon_malvin