Zimbabwe’s senior rugby team face an uphill task after less than a week of preparations when they take on their southern African rivals Namibia in the final of the Africa Cup Division 1A competition in Windhoek this afternoon.
BY SPORTS REPORTER
The Sables left the country yesterday afternoon and were to arrive in Namibia last night, less than 24 hours before the match kicks off at 1500 hours at the Hage Geingob National Rugby Stadium.
Speaking just before the team’s departure yesterday, Sables captain Denford Mutamangira said he was confident his charges would rise above the challenges they faced in the build-up to the match.
“Obviously, we are not going there just to fulfil a fixture, but to compete to the best of our ability and win. The boys have been working hard in training and everyone is raring to go despite all the problems we have been experiencing,” he said.
Keep Reading
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Namibia and Zimbabwe currently lead the standings of the Africa Cup 1A competition with six points each, followed by Kenya (3) and Tunisia (0) and a win by either side would see them being confirmed as the African champions.
Namibia captain Rohan Kitshoff said he expected a tough battle as both teams had a point to prove.
“We know Zimbabwe are a very good side and they have improved a lot. They will have a point to prove after they came very close to qualifying for the World Cup in Madagascar last year,” he told The Namibian.
“But we also have a point to prove and we have a few youngsters coming in who will want to make a statement. We have a very talented group of players in the squad and the spirit is very good,” he added.
Zimbabwe team: Denford Mutamangira (Captain), Royal Mwale, Brian Makamure, Fortune Chipendu, Biselele Tshamala, Andrew Rose, 7. Lucky Sithole, Kingsley Lang, Charles Jiji, Tichafara Makwanya (Vice captain), Steven Hunduza, Rian O’Neill, Cleopas Makotose, Tafadzwa Chitokwindo, Tangai Nemadire
Replacements: Tatenda Karuru, Tatenda Murwira, Sanele Sibanda, Kyle de Beer, Hilton Mudariki, Lenience Tambwera, Gerald Sibanda