adminof the rugby tri-nations tournament in Nairobi on Saturday afternoon.
Reports from Nairobi indicate that the game has been moved to Nyala National Stadium from the traditional Kenya Rugby Grounds, as the venue is undergoing renovations.
Having been in camp this whole week, the Sables held their last training session with their junior side at Harare Sports Club yesterday and are expected to depart for the East African country this morning.
The Sables have been on fire this year, openning their international season with a 25-15 win over Uganda before dismissing Madagascar 49-0 to win the Africa Group B tournament and gained promotion into the World Cup qualifying Group A.
From then on, the Sables were on a roll, beating Kenya at Harare Sports Club and registering another win over Uganda in Bulawayo last month, and they are hoping that they will bring the Victoria Cup back home without suffering a defeat in their campaign.
Of course, the Brandon Dawson-coached side has already won the cup but they are going to Kenya with a lot of pride and records to play for as they would like to beat the 1987 record of four consecutive wins.
At the moment they have equalled that record but another win will not only ensure that the Sables beat the standing statistics but also rise to the all-time high on the International Rugby Board World Rankings, come next Monday.
“We are not going there with a relaxed mentality because we have to win that game and in our minds we are saying there is a lot to play for when we take on Kenya on Saturday.
“We are leaving early tomorrow (this morning) and we will have some training sessions in Kenya. I am happy with the way our preparations have gone this week, but we should not expect an easy challenge there just because Kenya lost to Uganda last week,” said Dawson.
Six changes have been made to the side that faced Kenya at Harare Sports Club last month and this has seen the return of prop Kudakwashe Kambasha, in for Brian Makamure , lock Fortune Chipendo comes in for Costa Dinha who has been moved to flank in place of Jacques Leitao.
According to assistant coach Cyprian “Supa” Mandenge, Leitao is not available for this assignment due to work commitments while centre and captain Daniel Hondo is not available due to family commitments.
This has seen Hondo being replaced by Dylan Bradshaw who came in from the bench the last time the two sides met and he will partner Lloyd Machanjaira in the midfield while winger Tangai Nemadire has recovered from a concussion to get his number 11 jersey back.
“We have had to make these changes because some of the players have not been available and it is good to note that competition during the training sessions has improved, as there is increased competition for
places in the team.
“It is good we went into camp with all the players we might have needed. There were no injuries but there were a few knocks here and there but we are in good shape to achieve our set goals,” said Mandenge.
However, Mandenge believes his side would have to keep working hard if they are to shrug off the challenge of Kenya who can be a tough side in front of their home crowd.
“Teamwork will be the key to our success on Saturday. That had been the main reason we have been winning in the past games and with each passing game, we have been getting better and we would need that same spirit if we are to be a better side as well on Saturday.”
The Sables will have two days to train in Kenya as they are expected to have a training session this afternoon before a captains’ run tomorrow evening at the match venue.
Zimbabwe suffered their first home defeat to Kenya last year in the inaugural Victoria Cup tournament but a home win against Kenya this year has boosted the Sables spirits.
Sables Squad
Backs: Daniel Robertson, Gardner Nechironga, Lloyd Machanjaira, Dylan Bradshaw, Tangai Nemadire, Tichafara Makwanya, Charles Jiji.
Forwards: Denford Mutamangira, Prayer Chitenderu, Kudakwashe Kambasha, Fortune Chipendu, Schalk Ferreira, Shingi Mpofu, Costa Dinha, Norman Mukondiwa.
Substitutes: Tatenda Karuru, Pieter Joubert, Brian Makamure, Njabulo Ndlovu, Jan Ferreira, Cleopas Makotose, Thomas Nelson.
Online Reporter