Sables ready to upset Kenya

in a Victoria Cup game set for Harare Sports Club this afternoon.
The match kicks off at 3.30pm and entrance is US$2.
The organisers expect a full-house after an impressive showing by the resurgent Sables in recent weeks.
Zimbabwe have been on a roll since their international season started last week when they registered wins against Madagascar and Uganda in Kampala.
And the hosts are looking forward to extend their winning run.
The encounter promises to be exciting, as games between the two side have been decided by nine points at most.
The Sables will be out to avenge last year’s 18-23 loss that saw Kenya, not only register their maiden win on Zimbabwean soil, but also lift the 2010 Victoria Cup.
Kenya arrived here on Wednesday and we are happy with the reception they got from the Zimbabwe Rugby Union, training at Prince Edward School before a captains’ run at the match venue yesterday evening.
Both sides are definitely not taking the game lightly as it has an effect on the IRB World Rankings with Zimbabwe hoping to maintain their upward trend that has seen them rise to an all-time high of 40.
Kenya are currently ranked 35 on the World Rankings and have declared war on Zimbabwe as they are aiming to defend the title and a win here would be a huge boost.
The two sides have met 12 times before, with the hosts dominating the head-to-head count with eight wins while Kenya have won the other four.
Shujaa have dominated recent meetings, emerging victorious in four out of their last five meetings with the Sables since 2002.
Zimbabwe’s last win against Kenya was in Bulawayo when the Sables registered a 24-15 win in July 2004.
But Sables captain and Cheetahs centre Daniel Hondo, who led his charges to the important wins in Uganda, believes the losing streak against Kenya can be broken.
“We are really prepared for this game and we have been training hard for the last two months and we know what is at stake going into this game.
“We are going to do the right thing on the field and the boys are ready for the battle,” said the Harare Sports Club player.
Hondo commanded a place in the starting XV that faced Kenya at the same venue alongside fullback Daniel Robertson, hooker/flamker Prayer Chitenderu, flanker Shingi Mpofu and Tichafara Makwanya and they are also part of the starting team against Kenya this afternoon.
Lock Schalk Ferreira is set to earn his first cap at number four to pair veteran Costa Dinha, winger Kudakwashe Chiwanza earns his debut at number 11 for injured Tangai Nemadire.
Tighthead prop Brian Makamure, who was not available last week, starts at number three and prolific scrummy Charles Jiji gets another chance to start ahead of Michael Coleman who is on the bench.
Sables’ coach Brandon Dawson is confident that home advantage will play a huge part.
The former Sables captain also paid credit to assistant coach Cyprian “Supa” Mandenge for ensuring that the Sables started on a positive note.
“We are well prepared and I have to thank Cyprian, the manager Noddy (Kanyangarara) and the captain for a job well done.
“That was a great feat and that was a huge step towards getting the cup.
“Obviously Kenya have done their home work and, as Zimbabwe, our game is on the road to recovery but definitely the best team will win tomorrow (today),” said Dawson.
Kenya have made a number of changes for this game that also serves as their first international since they last played Zimbabwe.
This has seen the introduction of seven new players.
Former Kenya Sevens mainstay Dennis Mwanja makes a return to international XV rugby while seven players earn their maiden international call-ups.
Anthony Nyandigisi will be the only new cap in their starting line-up while Allan Omuka, Moses Amusala, Martin Likami, Edwin Achayo, Isaac Adimo and Dennis Muhanji all start as reserves.
Daniel Kiptoo, Anthony Mutai, Nato Simiyu, Kelvin Omiyo, who were in the opening line-up the last time, and the duo of Joel Ng’ang’a and Vincent Mose, who were substitutes, survive from last year’s Kenya side.
And indeed, Kenya have done their homework as Shujaa coach Michael “Tank” Otieno travelled to Uganda to see the Sables play.
“I was in Uganda when Zimbabwe were playing in the tournament there and I saw that they are a good side but that will not draw us down.
“I know Zimbabwe are on a high and a team that has been winning is difficult to beat and the fact that they are hosting makes it even more challenging.
“We are here to ensure that the cup returns to Kenya but there is always pressure in every game and that is normal but the fact that we won against Zimbabwe last year is history.
“This is a new challenge and what happened last year is the past we have to focus on today’s game and to me the team that is on the high is the one that won last year.
“Obviously we set a standard last year and we have to carry on and beat the same standard that we set.
“We had a good build up to this game as we tested our players against Mpumalanga,” said Otieno.
Zim v Kenya Statistics
PWDLFA
Zimbabwe11704294177
Kenya11407177294
Most wins in a row over Kenya: 6
Most losses in a row to Kenya: 2
Largest points for Zimbabwe: 56 (9 – 56)
Largest points against Zimbabwe: 32 (32 – 24)
Biggest win for Zimbabwe: 47 (9 – 56)
Biggest defeat for Zimbabwe: 8 (32 – 24)
Average points for Zimbabwe: 26.73
Average points against Zimbabwe: 16.09
Average points difference: 10.64

Past results
All games played between Zimbabwe and Kenya
Jul 17 2010: Zimbabwe 18, Kenya 23
Jun 12 2010: Kenya 11, Zimbabwe 10
Jul 24 2004: Zimbabwe 24, Kenya 15
May 25 2003: Kenya 32, Zimbabwe 24
Sep 28 2002: Kenya 19, Zimbabwe 12
Jul 03 1993: Kenya 7, Zimbabwe 42
Aug 13 1989: Kenya 9, Zimbabwe 56
Aug 07 1987: Kenya 12, Zimbabwe 44
May 01 1985: Zimbabwe 15, Kenya 13
Mar 27 1982: Zimbabwe 15, Kenya 12
Jul 01 1981: Kenya 24, Zimbabwe 34

Zimbabwe Starting XV
Backs: Daniel Robertson, Gardner Nechironga, Cleopas Makotose, Daniel Hondo, Kudakwashe Chiwanza, Tichafara Makwanya, Charles Jiji.
Forwards: Denford Mutamangira, Prayer Chitenderu, Brian Makamure, Schalk Ferreira, Costa Dinha, Shingi Mpofu, Njabulo Ndlovu, Norman Mukondiwa.
Substitutes: Tatenda Karuru, Fortune Chipendu, Pieter Joubert, Jacques Leitao, Thomas Nelson, Dylan Bradshow, Michael Coleman.
Technical Team
Coach: Brandon Dawson
Assistant: Cyprian Mandenge
Manager: Noddy Kanyangarara
Physio: Farai Muguwe

Kenya Starting XV
Backs: Vincent Mose, Allan Omuka, Anthony Nyandigisi, Kelvin Omiyo, Victor Sudi (captain), Nato Simiyu, Peter Mutai.
Forwards: Joel Ng’ang’a, Vincent Ongera, Daniel Kiptoo, Anthony Mutai, Michael Aung, Dennis Mwanja, David Mogere, Wilson Kopondo.
Substitutes: Edwin Achayo, Isaac Adimo, Dennis Muhanji, Dennis Abenga, Moses Amusala, Martin Likami, Kevin Umbuge.

Technical Team
Coach: Michael Otieno,
Assistant: Edward Kinyany
Manager: Wangila Simiyu
Physio: Chris Makachia