Zimbabwe rugby team coach Cyprian Mandenge has noted that the Sables will need to dominate the forwards battle if they are to end their losing streak against Namibia in the Africa Cup final at the Hage Geingob National Rugby Stadium in Windhoek on Saturday.
BY DANIEL NHAKANISO
The Sables will travel to Namibia hoping to end a disappointing run of seven consecutive defeats to the Namibians dating back to July 2001.
They will, however, be encouraged by their most recent performance against the Welwitschias at the 2015 Rugby World Cup qualifiers in Madagascar last year.
The Sables looked well on course to end Namibia’s dominance as they led 20-10 at halftime only to concede two unanswered second half tries to go down 20-24 which ultimately cost them a place at this year’s Rugby World Cup.
Mandenge, who was assistant to Brendan Dawson during the qualifiers, said while they were prepared for a brutal battle up front, starving the Namibians of possession would be equally important to his charges’ cause on Saturday.
“We are expecting a physical game, but we are prepared. If you don’t want the next team to play, you simply have to deny them possession and no matter how good they are they won’t play. That will be our starting point, to retain possession,” he said. Mandenge said his only major concern was the limited options at his disposal especially in the front row.
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France-based prop Farayi Mudariki, who started both matches against Kenya and Tunisia, was not released by his club while other front row options Kevin Nqindi and Pieter Joubert will also miss the tie due to work commitments.
“I’m a bit worried because most of the players who are not available are in the forwards and our front row options are very thin at the moment. Kevin Nqindi, who is a seasoned prop, is not there and so are Pieter Joubert and Farayi Mudariki, who started both games, also missing. However, I still have confidence in the guys that are available and I’m confident if we play to our game plan we will win,” he said.
Tighthead prop Brian Makamure replaces Mudariki in the front row while Lucky Sithole comes in at blind-side flank for Jacques Leitao in a vastly inexperienced back row that will also see Kingsley Lang reclaiming the number eight jersey.
While the lack of options in the front row is a cause for great concern for the Sables technical bench, the backline appears to be the team’s strongest department with the only change being the return of exciting centre Rian O’Neill.
Sables Squad: Denford Mutamangira (captain), Royal Mwale, Brian Makamure, Fortune Chipendu, Biselele Tshamala, Andrew Rose, Lucky Sithole, Kingsley Lang, Charles Jiji, Tichafara Makwanya, Steven Hunduza, Rian O’Neill, Cleopas Makotose, Tafadzwa Chitokwindo, Tangai Nemadire, Tatenda Karuru, Tatenda Murwira, Sanele Sibanda, Kyle de Beer, Hilton Mudariki, Lenience Tambwera, Gerald Sibanda Coach: Cyprian Mandenge; assistant coach: Nsikelelo Sibanda; team manager: Sebastain Garikai
