adminNgoni Dapira
ZIMBABWE’s return to the international rugby scene has been a long and weary journey with many obstacles.
However, following their momentous promotion back into the Confederation of African Rugby Division 1A in 2010, Zimbabwe has been successfully defending its place each year up to date.
Teams in the CAR Division 1A, which are Zimbabwe, Kenya, Namibia and Madagascar, are the only ones that compete in the International Rugby Board (IRB) World Cup qualifiers for the African Slot in the world rugby showcase.
South Africa’s Springboks, on the other hand, have automatic qualification to the World Cup as former cup holders.
Tomorrow (Saturday) an historic achievement awaits Zimbabwe’s senior rugby side, Sables, who are just a step away from writing their own piece of history at the CAR Division 1A 2015 Rugby World Cup qualifiers tournament in Madagascar.
Manicaland rugby enthusiasts have expressed confidence in the Sables and said this could be the turning point for Zimbabwe’s once sad rugby story.
Manicaland Zimbabwe Rugby Union chairman Richard Chivandire said though preparations were not good enough as intended he was optimistic about the Sables qualifying.
“A lot of international matches were lined up for preparations, but due to limited resources most of the initial plans were trimmed.
“Nonetheless, I am positive the Sables will qualify. They know the historic importance of this qualifier and what it will do for the country’s rugby,” said Chivandire.
Manicaland ZRU secretary Mackenzie Munetsi said he would be watching all the matches at home as they will be beamed on SuperSport live.
He said he will be rooting for the Sables all the way and is very optimistic they will qualify.
Mutare Sports Club chairman Moss Kapumha said this was an historic moment for Zimbabwe’s rugby, which has not really garnered national support but deserves recognition.
“If it were the Warriors it would have been ‘Go Warriors Go’ everyday on ZBC, but because it’s rugby little prominence has been given.
“This is an historic moment for the country’s rugby and it’s sad there is no excitement nationally.
“Nevertheless, we are roaring behind the Sables and praying for a flawless victory at the qualifiers,” said Kapumha.
The Sables first take on the hosts (Madagascar) tomorrow, followed by arch-rivals Namibia on Wednesday (July 2) and last but definitely not least Kenya on July 6.
Coach Brendon Dawson will no doubt have a daunting task ahead of him, especially against a tricky Namibia side who were the second African representative at the last World Cup together with South Africa.
Over the years, Zimbabwe’s “sad” rugby tale has been marred by lack of funding and the exodus of its talented junior players, mostly to South Africa, Australia and England.
We talk of players like David Pocock in Australia, Takudzwa Ngwenya in USA, Tonderai Chavhanga and Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira in South Africa, Brian Mujati (United Kingdom), to mention a few, all Zimbabwean-born players now highly-rated in other countries’ national teams.
Zimbabwe has played at the RWC twice, during the inaugural World Cup in 1987 upon invite and in 1991 after winning the African Cup qualifiers.
Ever since 1991 the Sables have had no chance to qualify for the international rugby showcase held every four years but now stand only a step away from making their comeback at the 2015 RWC to be hosted by England.
Sables squad:
F. Chipendu, F. Mudariki, J. Ferreira, S. Ferreira, L. Groenewald, P. Joubert, G. Lawler, J. Leitao, M. Mandioma, T. Mangezi, K. Murray, D. Mutamangira, R. Mwale, N. Ndlovu, K. Nqindi, M. Passaportis, A. Rose, S. Sibanda, N. Winwood.
Backs
H. Mudariki, L. Tambwera, T. Chitokwindo, D. Hondo, T. Nemadire, S. Hunduza, D. Robertson, R. O’Neill, G. Sibanda, S. Makombe, G. Nechironga.
Online Reporter