adminHaving registered a convincing 35-17 win over Griquas before slaughtering host franchise Limpopo Blue Bulls 43-5 in the second game, it looked like Zimbabwe were on course of winning all their three games.
A win against Namibia was going to guarantee Zimbabwe of at least a top three finish as they were the leading side going into the final day, seated on top of the rankings but a defeat to Namibia relegated them five places down the ladder.
Zimbabwe have not managed to beat Namibia in the last two years, have not beaten Limpopo Blue Bulls in the same period and this also became the first time they won two games at the festival in the same period.
Namibia lost their first game 20-38 to Border City before picking themselves up in the second game where they also beat Griquas 27-10 and they were able to maintain the momentum against Zimbabwe to come out with two wins.
The only time Zimbabwe won all three games at the festival was in 2007 and with the side coach Godwin “Jaws” Murambiwa had picked, most thought that Zimbabwe were going to register another win.
But that was not to be
“Given these statistics our Saturday game against Namibia had them (Namibia) as favourites and they came into this game more focused, talking about their win over Zimbabwe at Under-16 level as a motivating factor.
“It was going to be difficult for those boys to win the third game. Trying to stay at a high after two games, our travelling arrangements, waking up at 5am packing, clearing the hostel dorm, packing for the airport and then knowing we have four hours to get to the airport on our way back home same day.
“The conditions were the same for Namibia it seemed we had a mental block,” said the former Sables coach.
“We had to try and play above the referee on the final day we were penalised and weren’t allowed to turnover ball in the first half a staggering 16 penalties and yellow card to (Ivan) Bawden.
“The team failed to adjust even when they took a step back in the second half they didn’t contest at breakdown as they had done in first two games
“That having been said on the day, a hungrier and smarter Namibia won the game so we will have to wait another year. The 2013 youngsters, however, proved that Zimbabwe can be competitive playing structured rugby and with a good selection, it is possible to count in South Africa,” added Murambiwa
Zimbabwe Under-18 side
T. Mujeni, B. Zwart, T. Murangani, Kufazvinei, N. Burnett, I. Bawden, D. Moolman, T. Gonese, T. Gwisai, R. Gona, J. Mutukwa, T.Mashaya, Chadwick, B. Boshi, B. Mandivenga, S. Bhasera, Rorke, Chikwezhero, P. Mudambanuki, A. Dollar, J. Zietsman, T. Ngosi.
Coach: Godwin Murambiwa
Assistant: Brandon Brider
Manager: Tungamirai Mashungu
Online Reporter