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SABLES coach Cyprian Mandenge is confident that his charges, who are yet to pick a point in the Africa Cup Division 1A, will get it right this Saturday when they meet Uganda at Police Grounds.
The national team have been in camp since Sunday and yesterday their coach trimmed his squad to 23.
The Sables were humiliated by Kenya, two weeks ago, in their opening match of the Africa Cup group matches when they lost 61-15. However, Mandenge believes they are now well poised for a victory and will pick their first set of points this Saturday.
Mandenge has called a strengthened side mixed with foreign players which has been training at Prnce Edward School and at the match venue.
“In terms of our training session, everything has been going according to plan. We have been training three times a day, now we have reduced it to two times.
“We are very confident based on what I have been seeing in training and I am more positive that we can do it,” said Mandenge.
The coach had the privilege of working with a strong pool of players as some of the foreign- based players who were absent in the team’s previous tie against Kenya are in camp.
This has helped the mentor in assessing and coming up with the strong squad which is set to do battle against Uganda and fight to remain in the elite Division 1A.
“Obviously with more guys, we have a wider pool and will improve the quality.
“You need to look at the system, are they able to work in the system also taking fitness and awareness into consideration as well,” said Mandenge.
Defending champions Namibia are leading the group with 10 points, while Kenya have five following their victory against Zimbabwe.
Uganda have a point while pointless Zimbabwe anchor the standings. Zimbabwe will conclude the Africa Cup campaign with a match against Namibia in Windhoek early next month.
Team
Forwards: Cleminson Lawrence (Naka Bulle, South Africa), Mandioma Matthew (University of Western Cape, South Africa), Mutamangira Denford (Harare Sports Club),
Chipendu Fortunate (Old Georgians), Tshamala Biselele (Varsity College Old Boys South Africa), Leitao Jacques (Old Georgians), Dinha Constantine (Old Hararians), Nduwa Irvin (Busters), Mandizha Witness (College Rovers, South Africa), Sibanda Sanele (College Rovers, South Africa), Joubert Pieter (Old Georgians), Ndlovu Njabulo (University of Western Cape, South Africa), Murray Keith (Old Georgians),
Backs: Jiji Charles (Old Hararians), Tambwera Lenience (Old Georgians), Hunduza Stephan (Old Georgians), Rouse Boyd (Old Georgians), Nyawata Gavin (University of Kwazulu Natal, South Africa), Tshuma Lungile (Aspen Rugby Club, Usa), Nemadire Tangai (Old Hararians), Sibanda Gerald (Old Hararians).
Online Reporter