Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Sables have named their 23-man squad for the do-or-die Africa Cup final against fierce rivals Namibia in Kampala, Uganda this Saturday — and Zimbabwe is just one win away from a return to the Rugby World Cup.
With history, heartbreak and high stakes on the line, the Zimbabwe Rugby Union has kept faith in most of the side that edged Kenya in the semi-final thriller. Only two changes have been made to the match-day squad.
Godfrey Muzanargwo shifts into the second row to cover for the injured Kudakwashe “Goofy” Nyakufaringwa, while Dylan Utete comes in to start at number seven on the blind side. Hard-hitting Tadiwa Gwashu joins the bench as an impact player, and Bruce Houston could make his long-awaited debut in national colours.
The rest of the squad remains unchanged as head coach Brendan Dawson sticks with the tried and tested to try and break into rugby’s biggest showpiece — the 2027 World Cup in Australia.
Zimbabwe and Namibia are battling for Africa’s only automatic ticket to the tournament. The loser will still have a lifeline via the global repêchage, but the Sables are aiming to finish the job early and avoid extra hurdles.
Last year, Zimbabwe made headlines when they hammered Namibia 32–10 in the Africa Cup semis, ending a 23-year losing streak against the Welwitschias. Now they’ll need to do it again, on an even bigger stage, with history calling.
The Sables were the first African team to feature at the Rugby World Cup back in 1987 and again in 1991. Since then, they’ve fallen short — but this generation has a chance to change that narrative.
The final kicks off at 3PM and will be streamed live on Rugby Africa’s Facebook and YouTube platforms.
Sables Starting XV:
Victor Mupunga, Simba Mandioma, Cleopas Kundiona, Godfrey Muzanargwo, Simba Siraha, Tinotenda Mavesere, Dylan Utete, Jason Fraser, Hilton Mudariki (captain), Ian Prior, Edward Sigauke, Kudzai Mashawi, Brandon Mudzekenyedzi, Matthew McNab, Tapiwa Mafura
Impact Players:
Liam Larkan, Tyran Fagan, Bornwell Gwinji, Aiden Burnett, Tadiwa Gwashu, Keegan Joubert, Dion Khumalo, Bruce Houston
