Zimbabwe Sables rugby captain Daniel Hondo yesterday said his charges are focused and are gunning for victory when they clash with Uganda Cranes in the Tri-nations Victoria Cup match at Hartsfield Rugby Grounds this afternoon.
Speaking to NewsDay Sport yesterday, the Sables skipper said he believed in the team and was sure of victory although he indicated it would not be an easy game.
“We got here on Monday and we started training on Tuesday and everything has been going on well. The boys are focused and want another win. We know that it’s not going to be easy but we will work hard for the victory,” Hondo said.
The Sables last week beat holders Kenya 42-24 at Hartsfield Sports Club in another Victoria Cup match.
The team trained at Christian Brothers College on Tuesday, proceeded to Falcon College in Esigodini, before returning to feel the match venue, Hartsfield, on Thursday.
“I believe in the boys and I know they are the best. It is just a matter of applying ourselves on the day and we are done,” the confident Hondo said.
He called on rugby fans in the city to throng Hartsfield and rally behind the squad saying the crowds were a big morale booster for the team.
“It always builds morale in the team to have fans come in their numbers to support us,” Hondo said. On Thursday, Sables manager Noddy Kanyangarara said there will be no room for complacency against the Uganda Cranes, who were due to arrive in Bulawayo last night, probably tired.
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Kanyangara said the team recorded a clean bill of health and everyone was confident ahead of this afternoon’s tie.
Coach Brendan Dawson named a strong 22-member squad just after the team had a feel of Hartsfield.
Bulawayo rugby fans will be eager to watch their South Africa-based son, winger Gardner Nechironga and Zimbo Busters’ Lloyd Machanjaira. Flyhalf Tichafara Makwanya, impressive back Charles Jiji and the experienced Jacques Leitao and Pieter Joubert are part of the team.
Also in the final line-up is Cleopas Makotose. The Sables, who beat the Uganda Cranes 25-15 in front of their home crowd, are favourites to win this afternoon’s tie.
They lead the three-team log with nine points from two matches, having beaten both Kenya and Uganda.
The Sables: D Mutamangira, B Makamure, P Joubert, P Chitenderu, T Karuru, F Chipendu, C Dinha, J Ferreira, S Mpofu, J Leitao, N Ndlovu, N Mukondiwa, C Jiji, M Coleman, T Makwanya, T Nelson, T Nemadire, G Nechironga, L Muchanjaira, D Hondo (captain), C Makotose, D Robertson
