Veronica Gwaze-Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE senior men’s rugby team are expecting tough competition when they face visiting Namibia as international rugby returns to the National Sports Stadium for the first time in almost three decades this afternoon.
The high-profile Test match kicks off at 3pm.
Excitement has been building around the match, which Zimbabwe are also using as part of their preparations on their long journey to the 2027 World Cup.
The Sables are aware that Namibia will not be push overs in today’s tie.
“We are braced for really tough test,” said coach, Pieter Benade.
“Namibia are a very good side and we are expecting an exciting match which will definitely mean more than a result to us.
“The match will have a lot of physicality, which is something that will also be good for us. Actually, looking at their level and the nature of the game that they play, we are happy to have Namibia coming over. They are a top Rugby nation and we are going to benefit a lot.”
The Sables secured a historic 30–28 victory the last time they faced Namibia at the in the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup final in Kampala, Uganda.
A hard-fought battle saw Zimbabwe hold off a late Namibian comeback to clinch the title and qualify for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, ending a 34-year wait since their last appearance in 1991.
Benade is buoyed by the return of captain Hilton Mudariki who missed the previous Sables outing due to injury.
United Kingdom-based Ishmael Bara will be expected to make his debut while David Hayes gets another chance to impress after an outstanding debut against Zambia.
Hayes had a sober second game against the same opponent in back-to-back encounters in Harare and Bulawayo earlier this year.
Kudzai Mashawi and Brandon Mudzekenyedzi will function as the usual Centres (12 and 13), predictably Trevor Gurwe and Darell Makwasha as the two wingers (11 and 14) while Tapiwa Mafura is in his usual fullback position (15).
The coach is impressed with the balance in his squad and is confident that a positive result is possible.
“I know most people will obviously be looking at the scoreboard; they want the result and even the atmosphere that we expect will need a good result to be cosy,” he said.
“While we are optimistic of a good result, our eyes are already beyond that because here we are laying a foundation for the Africa Cup in November and definitely long term for the World Cup next year.
“We are balanced in all departments. So really, nothing should stop us from giving it our all.”
The coach noted that being back at the giant stadium will invoke yesteryear memories when he used to participate in events at the venue which was often packed to the rafters as a rugby player and an athlete.
“Obviously, a very exciting moment in Zimbabwean rugby history and certainly we as group we have for long been looking forward to returning to the iconic venue, that is the highlight for us,” he added.
“I think all Zimbabweans have got special memories of the stadium. For me, it took me back to my school days doing athletics here or coming to play rugby as a young schoolboy,” he said. “So just being able to come back in a different capacity, coming back as a coach is very special for me and even those who know me from back then.”
Zimbabwe last played an international rugby fixture at the stadium in 1998 against Wales.
The visit by Namibia ends years of waiting.
Sables captain Hilton Mudariki is happy to bounce back to action. He noted that his charges were equally ready for the test.
Despite the team being largely made of local based players, the skipper said most of them were familiar with Namibia and will be equal to the task.
“Almost all the players, save for a few, are familiar with Namibia. They are aware of the level of competition that we are up against,” he said.
“With the vibe in camp, you can almost easily tell that they are ready; this is a time for us to show Zimbabweans what we can do and also inspire the next generation of players on home soil.”
