adminTHE Sables’ shoddy show in last weekend’s 15-61 mauling by Kenya in an Africa A1 Cup rugby match was a protest against non-payment of allowances, it has been established.
A post-mortem by the Zimbabwe Rugby Union and members of the national team last week heard that the side took to the park looking to make a negative statement.
ZRU director of rugby Brighton Chivandire disclosed that the union has since come up with a payment plan as part of measures to restore normalcy ahead of Saturday’s game against Uganda.
“As you might be aware they were a few matters that arose prior to the game against Kenya and to some extent played a big part in our defeat,” he said.
“We had a meeting with the squad, wherein they told us their problems which pertained to outstanding pay and allowances, inadequate preparations and a general feeling that the board did not have their interests at heart.
“Fortunately, we managed to come up with a payment plan, to be finalised after the Uganda game, and also made them aware for the two-year program we have put in place.
“It is a programme that will see the Sables more active and better prepared for all Test matches and tournaments. Already we have been invited and will be traveling to Hong Kong for a couple of Tests and are in talks with a couple of European sides which will be touring Zimbabwe early next year.”
The ZRU has urged players to ensure they keep their Africa A1 Cup campaign alive so as to give the country a shot at qualifying for the 2019 World Cup.
“Our ultimate goal is to qualify for the 2019 IRB World Rugby Cup to be held in Japan,” said Chivandire.
“Rugby Africa has given us the qualification process and the four teams that are in group A1 at the start of 2019 will be involved in the regional tournament.
“The winner will proceed to Japan, while the runners up will then go for a Reprecharge tournament to be announced and played sometime that year.
Everything begins here and now; it is of the utmost importance that we remain in the Group A1 right into 2019.”
The Sables are expected to regroup for camp this morning ahead of the Uganda game at Morris Depot’s Police Grounds, Harare.
Coach Cyprian “Supa” Mandenge will be sweating over the availability of some of his senior players.
Among them is skipper Denford Mutamangira, who sustained a nasty cut above of his right eye in the clash against Kenya.
Tafadzwa Chitokwindo, Alva Senderayi, Simba Mandioma and Tichafara Makwanya are also still to recover from injuries.
However, Njabulo Ncube, Pieter Joubert and Shayne Makombe should be available for selection after shrugging off some niggles.
Online Reporter