Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
WITH the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup fast approaching, Zimbabwe’s senior men’s national rugby team — The Sables — are intensifying their preparations. A key focus for technical specialist and assistant coach Gert Smal is the meticulous perfection of lineouts, a critical facet of the game he champions with deep passion.
Smal, a former South Africa assistant coach and part of the technical team that famously won the 2007 Rugby World Cup, firmly believes that maintaining possession is paramount. He stresses that it’s the ‘small things’, like executing flawless lineouts, that truly drive a team forward.
The Sables have notably stepped up their preparations for the continental showdown, which also serves as a direct qualifier for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
The squad went into camp this past week, with a promising mix of locally based and foreign-based players reporting for duty.
Smal noted that mastering lineouts takes time, as it requires a deep understanding of the players’ strengths and weaknesses.
“I’m passionate about that facet of the game — it’s creative as well. As a player, you can showcase your skill levels through jumping, movement on the ground, and outwitting the opposition.
“I believe the main thing is to have possession. It’s not just about moving around. Sometimes, it’s about simplifying things and securing possession so we can play.
“With lineouts, you need time to assess where the players are, what systems are in place, and what they’re comfortable with — then develop from there. What was important for me was to implement a proper lineout system, focusing on key aspects like speed on the ground, speed in the air, proper lifting, and developing an effective maul.
You also want to put the opposition under pressure. I have my own systems that work well for us,” he said.
With just a month to go before the Africa Cup, Smal predicts that all participating teams will be stronger than they were in last year’s edition, which Zimbabwe won — claiming their first continental title in twelve years. However, he remains confident that the Sables’ skill level has improved significantly and that their primary goal is to retain the coveted trophy.
“The teams will likely be a bit stronger, but I think the time we invested last year and where we are now shows a massive difference. Hopefully, with the skill level we have, we’ll execute some good lineouts.
“We want to make it exciting for the players, and ultimately, the goal is to win competitions,” he said.
Poland-based utility forward Simbarashe Siraha believes that a strong mindset and unwavering focus are essential in preparing to defend the continental crown.
“It’s good to be back — it’s good to be playing with your brothers, people you understand, and who share the same goal. We’re looking forward to a great camp, connecting with everyone.
“The mood is great. Physicality is needed — that’s the nature of the game. Right now, we’re preparing ourselves mentally for what lies ahead. We are the defending champions, and everyone is aiming to take that from us,” said Siraha.
Zimbabwe are aiming to qualify for the Rugby World Cup for the first time since 1991. Only one ticket to Australia is available through the Africa Cup.
The Sables will begin their campaign at the quarter-final stage against Morocco.
A win over the North Africans would set up a semi-final clash with the winner of the Kenya vs Uganda tie.
In the other quarter-final fixtures, Algeria will face Côte d’Ivoire, while Namibia take on Senegal.
The tournament is scheduled to run from 6–20 July. Meanwhile, the Sables Select side is set to face the players in camp in a practice match scheduled for today at Old Georgians Sports Club in Harare.
Zimbabwe A XV
Tyran Fagan, Simba Mandioma, Brian Makamure, Tadiwanashe Gwashu, Nyasha Shiripinda, Dylan Utete, Brian Nyaude, Aiden Burnett (vice-captain), Hilton Mudariki (captain), Takudzwa Musingwini, Glen Maseko, Kudzai Mashawi, Gamu Nekati, Tyrone Gombe, Tadius Dzandiwandira.
Impact Players: Emmanuel Gabi, Nigel Tinarwo
Zimbabwe Select XV: Zvikomborero Chimoto, Bryan Chiang, Jeff Makoni, Tadiwa Parirenyatwa, Takunda Kundishora, Vuyiswa Mpofu, Adam Musa, Quinton Jones, Keegan Joubert, Lenience Tambwera, Benoni Nekairo, Puwayi Chinoda, Mclean Muhambi, Tafadzwa Chadarara, Tino Chifumbu.
Impact Players: Taku Matsvimbo, Joseph Benning, Vincent Chimwendo, Tonderai Chiwambutsa, Tinashe Hombiro, Tamuka Pamire, Mungani Kamwendo, Tatenda Kamubvumbi. – @brandon_malvin.
