adminThe Sables were welcomed by the Minister of Education, Sports, Arts and Culture, David Coltart, Zimbabwe Rugby Union president John Falkenburg and Delta officials at a ceremony at Old Hararians last night.
Having won five consecutive games last year to finish the season unbeaten, Dinha believes there was a lot of pressure on the Sables as there were a lot of expectations having set very high standards for themselves.
And the Sables did not disappoint to give Zimbabwe something to smile about as they beat Uganda 22-18 in the final to lift Africa’s most prestigious rugby title.
“Uganda came back strongly in the second half as we were leading 22-3 but they played really hard to bounce back but we were good enough to hold on but I think the fear of losing made us win the cup,” said Dinha.
“Losing was our greatest fear compared to our opposition because we have a name to build in African rugby and we have targets and aims to achieve.
“I think the reason why Uganda came back so strong was that the coach relaxed and made some substitutions in key positions and that made the team a bit more inexperienced compared to Uganda who have been together for a long time.
“But at the end of the day we managed to hold on, it was an uphill task, we had to hold our line in the last five minutes and I am happy that the boys did not panic and defended well with some good tackles in the last minute.
“It’s definitely a good feeling but I can not say it was an individual effort from any of the players but we played as a team and for each other as we had one goal and one aim.
“We played with our hearts, not for any incentive because there are no individual benefits for us playing but because we love the sport and we love the game and
what makes me very proud is that we won against sides that were offered huge incentives to win the tournament.”
Coach Brendan Dawson — who is the most capped Sables player with 100 caps to his name and with two World Cup appearances for Zimbabwe — was lost for words.
The former Sables flanker conceded he made some technical mistakes but thanked the boys for believing in themselves in the final against Uganda where the East Africans scored 15 unanswered points.
“I am over the moon because the boys did exceptionally well but I made one or two changes that did not have an impact as huge as I would have thought and that allowed Uganda to creep back into the game.
“At some stage I thought that we were going to lose the game, but the boys believed that they could do it and I also believed in them and the young guys also played well to defend the lead.”
However, he feels that there still is a lot of work to be done as they still have to take on Kenya and Uganda on a home and away basis in the Tri-nations Victoria Cup tournament where they are the defending champions.
“This is just but one hurdle we have surpassed so we need to remain in the group next year and them make sure we win the tournament to qualify for the 2015 World Cup but there still is a lot of work to be done.
“Tomorrow (today) or anytime soon I will sit with the organising committee to map the way for ward for the Sables preparations for the Victoria Cup because we need to maintain the momentum.”
Coltart thanked the Sables for what they did in the name of their country.
“This is the start of a new turn-over for Zimbabwe rugby. I know there have been a lot of problems, especially funding , but that is all tied to the economy as well.
“This was a high-profile win and I would like to commend you all for playing and wining the cup given that there are no incentives for you but with this win we should be able to mobilise funding for you as you are the African champions.
“Most of you here are amateur players but you gave it a lot despite the minimal resources,” said Coltart.
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