Sables in poor WC preps

Paul Munyuki Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE’S rugby World Cup preparations seem to be in shambles despite the fact that they will take part in the Africa Cup that is also serving as the global showcase qualifiers in Madagascar exactly four weeks from today. On Wednesday night, only five national team players were part of the field session that was conducted by Sables assistant coach Cyprian “Supa” Mandenge at Harare Sports Club a week after the previous training session had been cancelled.

The five that trained included Cheetahs captain Jacques Leitao, Fortunate Chipendo, Stephan Hunduza, Scotland-based Gerald Sibanda and Takunda Chifokoyo.
Captain and centre Daniel Hondo sat out after he pulled his calf muscle during warm-up prior to the training session, Kudakwashe Chiwanza and Piet Joubert also sat out.

A few players were understood to have excused themselves, including Tafadzwa Chitokwindo (who latter arrived to watch the training session), and flyhalf Tichafara Makwanya for the weekly training session.

But the big question is: Is Zimbabwe rugby serious about qualifying for the World Cup?
This is the closest that Zimbabwe has come to qualifying for the World Cup in 20 years.

There is no substitute for quality and experience and that is what the Sables have looked at, calling into camp a host of foreign-based players who include Gerald Sibanda, Denford Mutamangira and are also excited about getting the Lions trio of twin brothers Ross (scrumhalf) and Guy (flyhalf) Cronje and Lambert Groenewald.

The Sables have lined up two international fixtures against Limpopo Blue Bulls and their academy side set for June 12 and 14 in South Africa after failing to secure a home game against Uganda and unnamed European teams.

And it seems amongst our biggest threats in qualifying both Namibia and Kenya are taking their preparations seriously compared to Zimbabwe and below is a look at how their opponents are preparing.

KENYA
Africa Cup defending champions Kenya were in South Africa for an eight-week training stint that saw them play in the Vodacom Cup, a second-tier provincial tournament.

The Simbas have since returned to Kenya and have resumed training ahead of the final stretch.
They are scheduled to play a match against South Africa’s Western Province in Nairobi on June 7.

Reports from Kenya indicate that the Simbas have opted to face the South African provincial side after Portugal withdrew from playing in Nairobi owing to security fears.

They have bolstered their training squad, calling up the likes of France-based winger Willy Ambaka, Sevens stars Humphrey Kayange, Collins Injera, Andrew Amonde, Lavin Asego and Oscar Ouma into their training squad.

NAMIBIA
Africa’s representatives at the 1999, 2003, 2007 and 2011 World Cups are looking to reach a fifth successive final.
The Welwitschias made a return to Division 1A after plunging to Division 1B following chaotic administration and power battles in their Union.
They started their team training sessions at the end of April when all national team players were withdrawn from their clubs to play two games against Namibia A.
Their first was on April 30, the second on May 9 before they took on a combined University and Leopards team on May 17. But this was just the begging of their preparations as they are set to peak next month.

To make sure they get the best possible and toughest preparations ahead of the World Cup qualifier they are set to play South African giants Western Province on June 14 and Super (XV) Rugby side Blue Bulls on June 21.

MADAGASCAR
Hosts Madagascar seem not to be taking their preparations seriously and are expected to play just one preparatory game ahead of the Africa Cup. Reports from Madagascar indicate that they could play an unnamed French rugby side.