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SABLES coach Piet Benade has selected a mix of fringe players for Zimbabwe A side’s clash against Bulawayo Province at Hartsfield in Bulawayo today (3pm).
Benade is using the game to assess the players at his disposal as he looks to widen his selection base for the Sables 2025 Rugby Africa Cup campaign.
The 2025 Africa Cup is a must win tournament for the Sables if they are to end more than three decades of waiting to qualify for the World Cup.
Today’s game will also encompass the on-going Sables’ Africa Cup trophy parade that has seen the continental champions showcase the silverware they won in Uganda following their victory over Algeria in the final. The parade has accorded the rugby community with an opportunity to engage in a meet-and-greet session with the players as they are presented with the trophy.
But for Benade, the bigger picture is to make use of a any chance he gets for continuous assessment of players.
“We continue to work behind the scenes with different players. Our ultimate goal is World Cup qualification, and this trip to Bulawayo serves many purposes in the grand plan,” Benade said.
Seasoned centre Kudzai Mashawi will lead Zimbabwe A in the absence of skipper Hilton Mudariki.
Mudariki sustained a rib injury in the Paramount Garments Harare Provincial Cup final while playing for Old Hararians. The veteran scrum-half has, however, travelled with the team to Bulawayo and led a coaching session held in the Midlands Province.
Zimbabwe team physiotherapist Amanda Tererai says Mudariki will need a minimum of six weeks to recover.
“We are monitoring the rehabilitation of Hilton Mudariki’s injury, and unfortunately, he will have to take no less than six weeks to recover,” said Tererai.
Zimbabwe A are, however, focused on the job at hand at Hartsfield this afternoon and Mashawi indicated that they would not underrate their Bulawayo Province opponents.
Zim A Team:
Prop: Zvikomborero Chimoto; Hooker: Tawanda Banda; Prop: Bornwell Gwinji; Lock: David Makamba; Lock: Brian Nyaude; Openside: Tadiwa Gwashu; Blindside: Vuyani Dhlomo; 8th Man: Aiden Burnette (Vice Captain); Scrumhalf: Nigel Tinarwo; Lenience Tambwera (Vice Captain); Wing: Darell Makwasha; Centre: Kudzai Mashawi (Captain); Centre: Dion Khumalo; Wing: Trevor Gurwe; Fullback: Tadius Hwata;
Reserves: Edwin Nxumalo, Benoni Nekairo, Gamuchirai Nekati, Carlos Matemai, Tonderai Chiwambutsa, Nyasha Shiripinda, Takunda Kundishora, Brian Makamure, Wayne Kunaka, Vuyiswa Mpofu
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter