Veronica Gwaze, Zimpapers Sports Hub
Zimbabwe rugby Sables are relishing the challenge of hosting formidable Namibia in a potentially explosive Test match at the National Sports Stadium tomorrow to show the world how far they have evolved into a competitive side.
Action is scheduled to get underway at 3PM.
The Sables believe they are in the best shape to rewrite a painful history, having failed to beat the Namibians in Zimbabwe in the past 25 years.
Despite being labelled a friendly, there is consensus amongst rugby faithful that this is more than just an exhibition.
It is a stern test for the Sables, who have never had it easy against Namibia.
For a side that recently qualified for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, marking Zimbabwe’s return to the global showcase next year for the first time since 1991, a defeat to Namibia could dent their confidence.
This match is one of their key preparatory tests for the World Cup, a win will be a positive step towards the bigger task, World Cup.
The last time Zimbabwe were at the World Cup, they were eliminated in the group stages after finishing fourth and last in Pool Two.
Zimbabwe suffered heavy defeats, 51-11 to Ireland, 51-12 at the hands of Scotland before another 51-8 loss to Japan to anchor the base of the group with just three points.
After sealing another prestigious qualification recently , vice-captain Kudzai Mashawi is aware of the mammoth task ahead of the Sables.
He said after enjoying a successful year, they need to ensure they are in the best possible shape when they get to Australia for the World Cup.
And the date against Namibia is the first major step.
“It has been a good year for us, achieving such a huge feat in the past year and obviously playing in the Nations Cup for the first time,” he said.
“We have learned as a group, likewise as a nation and you can see the vibe, the energy that the country has just having some sport going well for us.”
Mashawi said playing at home carries extra responsibility.
“Having qualified for the World Cup and having to play such a friendly at home, we ought to instil some confidence in our fans and that can only come with a win,” he said.
“Us going out there at National Sports Stadium to play against Namibia, we can call it a rivalry but for us it’s another stepping stone so that we prepare for what we’re going up against in the coming weeks and months.
“But yeah, it’s going to be a nice feeling to have the massive support of Zimbabwe behind us.”
The Sables have spent the past weeks in an intense training camp fine-tuning combinations, set pieces and defensive structures, and Mashawi said the technical team has left no stone unturned.
This Test also marks a significant moment for local rugby, with international rugby returning to the giant stadium after two decades, giving fans a rare chance to watch world-class rugby on home soil.
The vice-captain believes a strong performance can inspire a new generation and reignite national passion for the 15-man game.
Mashawi is optimistic of a positive result to make sure that Zimbabwean sport keeps going up and forward, and has called on fans to turn up in numbers wearing green and white to create an intimidating fortress for the visitors.
Co-vice captain Aiden Burnett said it has been an intense training camp with the team working round the clock to tie loose ends ahead of the Test.
“We are looking forward to playing tomorrow, this is our first big game at home in years, everyone in camp is in high spirits and we are ready for the task,” he said.
“It has been a busy few weeks in which we played two intense games against each other so now it is time to see what we can do against Namibia and how much we can stretch in a highly competitive setting.”
Burnett, who is part of a locally-based squad expected to feature several debutants in the absence of their foreign-based counterparts said the camp games have improved competition for places amongst players.
“This Test also marks a significant milestone, with international rugby returning to the National Sports Stadium after two decades, giving fans a rare chance to watch world-class rugby on home soil,” he added.
