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Zimpapers Sports Hub
FORMER Zimbabwe international Lenience Tambwera leads an all-star and largely young cast of Sables’ hopefuls hoping to make an impression on Piet Benade when a Zimbabwe A side square off against a Manicaland Select at Harare Sports Club.
Once of one of the most prolific kickers in the country before a slew of injuries shortened his international career, Tambwera will be among a host of hopefuls seeking to catch Benade’s attention and secure inclusion in the Sables side that will travel to the United Arab Emirates and South Korea for a three-match visit next month.
Today’s friendly and the upcoming tour to the sub-continent are all part of Zimbabwe’s preparations for next year’s Africa Cup where Benade’s men will hope to defend their crown and in the process, book their ticket to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
Since their Africa Cup conquest earlier this year, the Sables have been quietly going about their business in preparation for the 2025 tournament, which this time is being used as a World Cup qualifier. This afternoon’s game will mark the second time that national team players selected for the Zimbabwe A side face off against a provincial side.
The first match saw the Zim A side take on a Bulawayo provincial select. The Manicaland-based players are in top form after their recent success in the Astra Rugby Festival, where Mutare Sports Club clinched the championship.
Armson Makumbe has been appointed as coach for the provincial side and has since expressed his team’s readiness for the challenge.
“The guys are ready for the game as it is a great opportunity for our players to showcase their skills against national team select players,” Makumbe said.
“The team comprises the best players in the province, and this is a chance for them to prove themselves and potentially earn a place in the national team,” he said.
Benade shared the same sentiments, emphasising on the importance of the match for both teams.
“A lot of the players appreciate the chance to play competitive 15s games this late in the year.
“We have our eye on the Dubai and South Korea tour, and many players in the starting line-up have been working hard.
“We are looking forward to seeing what the players can bring to the table,” said Benade.
The Zimbabwe A squad boasts a talented mix of experienced and emerging players, including Wayne Kunaka, Benoni Nekairo, and Tambwera.
The Manicaland Province team is also expected to field a strong line-up, featuring players who have showcased their skills in recent competitions.
Zimbabwe A Squad
Zvikomborero Chimoto, Vuyiswa Mpofu, Brian Makamure, David Makamba, Brian Nyaude, Tadiwa Gwashu, Tonderai Chiwambutsa, Aiden Burnett (VC), Wayne Kunaka, Lenience Tambwera (VC), Munya Ngandu, Kudzai Mashawi (C), Darell Makwasha, Munesu Muneta, Benoni Nekairo, Tanaka Mpofu (Impact Player), Simbarashe Sanyanga (Impact Player), Tawanda Mudiwa (Impact Player), Takunda Kundishora (Impact Player), Nyasha Shiripinda (Impact Player), Tawanda Banda (Impact Player), Tapiwa Muburekwa (Impact Player), Ethan Wilson (Impact Player), Tichafara Makwanya (Impact Player), Glen Maseko (Impact Player), Tamuka Pamire (Impact Player), Taku Chieza (Impact Player), Dawn Chitunhu (Impact Player), Munopa Muneta (Impact Player)
Manicaland Province Squad:
Delan Chiduku, Donald Chikwadze, Rodwell Shapi, Djibril Manyuchi, Linton Kusena, Takudzwa Dembaremba, Elliot Chimwamurombe, Jones Dedza (C), Dean Makweche (VC), Kenneth Murefu, Tinotenda Marara, Nigel Gukushu, Munashe Chaitezwi, Tafadzwa Chipuriro, Brendon Jameson, Tinashe Guwa (Impact Player), Brendon Sibanda (Impact Player), Alvin Magwaza (Impact Player), Tatenda Gwanzura (Impact Player), Charles Malunga (Impact Player), Kevin Gomwe (Impact Player), Willbroad Moyo (Impact Player), Takunda Hunyenyiwa (Impact Player), Dillon Kadungure (Impact Player), Isheanesu Ncube (Impact Player)
Online Reporter