Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE’S Sables are bracing for a high stakes clash against arch rivals Kenya in this afternoon’s Rugby Africa Cup semi-final in Kampala, Uganda.
With a single ticket to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia on the line, today’s showdown is more than just a battle of pride, it’s a gateway to the biggest stage in rugby.
Zimbabwe, the defending champions, got their campaign off to a strong start with a 43-8 demolition of Morocco in the opening round. But against the Simbas, it’s expected to be a far tighter affair.
This will be the seventh meeting between the two sides since May 1985. Each team has won three matches in their previous six encounters. The last time they faced off was in September 2019, when Kenya stormed to a 36–14 victory. A month earlier, the Sables had edged them 30–29 in a thriller.
Today’s clash is loaded with history and evenly matched rivalry, setting the stage for a potentially explosive semi-final.
Zimbabwe’s preparations have been boosted by the late arrival of former Ireland youth international, Bruce Houston, who has been cleared to represent the Sables. The 26-year-old fly-half qualifies through his Zimbabwean born mother and was named in the official 28 man squad for the qualifiers, though his club initially delayed his release.
“Bruce was always in our official 28-man squad for these qualifiers, it’s just that his club hadn’t released him, and he only arrived here in Kampala yesterday (Thursday),” a team official told SportsCast on Friday.
Capable of playing at flyhalf, fullback, or centre, Houston joined the squad on Friday morning and took part in his first training session with the team. He will start from the bench today, offering depth behind Zimbabwe’s first choice number 10 Ian Prior, who was sensational against Morocco.
Prior scored 23 points in that match and converted all eight of his kicks.
Houston, who recently left English Championship side Cornish Pirates, will join French third tier club Union Sportive Bressane, on a two-year deal. At Pirates, he formed a club partnership with Zimbabwean winger Matthew McNab, who now plays for Doncaster Knights and is also in Kampala. McNab has been named in the starting XV, taking over the number 14 jersey from Trevor Gurwe in the only change to the side that beat Morocco.
There’s more good news for Zimbabwe. Vice-captain Aiden Burnett, who missed the opener due to illness, is fit and will start from the bench.
A win today would push Zimbabwe closer to a long awaited return to the Rugby World Cup. The Sables were the first African team to play at the tournament, featuring in the inaugural edition in 1987 and again in 1991. Since then, they’ve fallen short, but this year could be the turning point.
Kenya, meanwhile, earned their semi-final spot after a 32-24 win over hosts Uganda. In the other last four clash, Algeria, who thrashed Cote d’Ivoire 41-6, will face Namibia, who cruised past Senegal 55-17.
Kick off for the Sables vs Simbas clash is at 3pm and the match will be streamed live on Rugby Africa’s Facebook and YouTube channels.
Sables Starting XV vs Kenya
Victor Mupunga, Simba Mandioma, Cleopas Kundiona, Kudakwashe Nyakufaringwa, Simba Siraha, Tinotenda Mavesere, Godfrey Muzanargwo, 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, Dylan Utete, Keegan Joubert, Dion Khumalo, Bruce Houston.
