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Brandon Moyo
ZIMBABWE rugby prodigy Edward Sigauke was at his level best as he scored a sensational hat-trick that helped the Sables secure a dominant 62-22 win over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the first match of their end of year tour at Victory Sevens Stadium in Dubai on Tuesday evening.
Sigauke was the star attraction as the Sables made a statement of intent against the Middle Eastern nation. The Sables’ performance was as comprehensive as it was impressive, with a stellar team display. With the sensational winger, Sigauke getting a hat-trick, team captain Hilton Mudariki bagged a brace to help complete the team’s dominance.
Zimbabwe’s dominance began early, with veteran fly-half Ian Prior opening the scoring with a penalty in the first few minutes.
The Sables’ forwards, led by the powerful pack, quickly asserted their dominance, forcing repeated infringements from the UAE, which led to a penalty try in the 10th minute. The UAE’s discipline was under pressure, and the Sables capitalised.
Godfrey Muzanarwgo’s try, following a slick assist from debutant Munashe Mhere, further demonstrated Zimbabwe’s fluid attacking play. The Sables’ backs showed great chemistry, and Muzanarwgo’s direct running saw him bulldoze his way to the line.
Captain Mudariki, marking his 49th cap for Zimbabwe, was next on the scoreboard. His try highlighted his leadership qualities, showing strength and composure under pressure as he powered over the line.
Mudariki wasn’t done there. After a well-deserved second-half try, the captain was key in orchestrating the Sables’ offensive game.
The real magic came from Sigauke who showcased his finishing ability with a clinical hat-trick of tries. Each try was a demonstration of pace, timing, and support play as the Zimbabwean backline cut through the UAE defence with precision.
The Sables weren’t finished, though. After several close calls, Trevor Gurwe finally added his name to the scoresheet, finishing a sweeping move that had the crowd on their feet.
Brandon Mudzekenyedzi, who had served a brief stint in the sin bin, capped off the scoring with a well-taken try late in the game, ensuring Zimbabwe’s complete dominance.
Speaking after the game, Mudariki was impressed with his team’s display, adding that the the support they got at the Victory Sevens Stadium made them feel at home.
The skipper added that the new players in the team managed to easily gel. Zimbabwe had four debutants in their side in Mhere, Jovan Bekker, Bryan Chiang and Kyle Godwin.
Bekker and Mhere were named in the starting 15 while Godwin, a former Australia centre who recently retraced his roots to his country of birth, and Chiang started from the bench.
Online Reporter