From the rugby fields of France, Spain, the United Kingdom, Brazil, the UAE and South Africa to the local clubs of Harare, the Zimbabwe Sables are pulling their talent from every corner of the globe as they intensify preparations for their June 20 showdown against South Africa A.
Zimbabwe Rugby Union has released a 31-man squad for the SAS Training Camp running from June 8 to 13, alongside a 10-member technical team headed by head coach Pieter Benade as the programme shifts into its highest gear yet ahead of what is arguably the most significant fixture in the Sables' recent history.
The forwards unit is headlined by players from some of Europe's club rugby structures. Victor Mupunga and Farai Mudariki both represent USBPA Rugby in France, while Tijde Visser comes from Rugby Club Massy Essonne, also in France.
Bornwell Gwinji and Simba Siraha both feature from Gernika Rugby Taldea in Spain, alongside Matthew Simba Mandioma of C.P. Les Abelles.
From the United Kingdom, Bryan Chiang of Broughton Park and Dale Lemon of Hartpury RFC bring English club rugby experience, while Daniel Cooke of Chinnor RFC adds further depth. South African-based forwards Gary Porter of DHL Stormers, Tinotenda Blithe Mavesere of The Sharks and Liam Larkan of Pirates Rugby Club bring Super Rugby-adjacent experience to the pack. Local representation comes through Jeff Makoni and Aiden Burnett of Old Hararians Rugby Club and Tadiwanashe Gwashu of Harare Sports Club, with Michael Kumbirai and Dylan Utete of Villagers Rugby Club also included.
The backs department is equally internationally diverse. Brandon Mudzekenyedzi arrives from Dubai Hurricanes in the UAE, Dion Khumalo from Cobras Brasil Rugby in Brazil, Bruce Houston from USBPA Rugby in France and Martin Mangongo from Awenta Pogon Siedlce in Poland, a collection of destinations that speaks volumes about the reach of Zimbabwean rugby talent across the world.
Keep Reading
- Zimbabwe step up bid to host Currie Cup matches
- Cheetahs handed Paris Olympics qualification boost
- ZRU boss Jani lands key Rugby Africa post
- ZRU grateful to Nedbank support
South Africa contributes Keegan Joubert of Durbanville Bellville Rugby Club, Tyrone Gombe of Ikey Tigers UCT and Edward Sigauke of Emeris Rugby Club. The local contingent includes Hilton Mudariki, Brendan Mason, Tatenda Kamubvumbi, Trevor Gurwe and Darrel Makwasha of Old Hararians Rugby Club, alongside Kudzai Mashawi of Harare Sports Club and unattached Tapiwa Mafura.
The technical team assembled for the camp is equally impressive. Alongside head coach Benade, Grant Mitchell serves as Head of Athletic Performance, Ricky Chirengende as Assistant Coach, Joel Carew as Forwards and Scrum coach, Josh Strauss handling Lineout duties, Vlok Cilliers as Kicking Consultant, Senna Esterhuizen as Analyst, Amanda Tererai as Physiotherapist, Tichafara Makwanya as Manager and Liam Middleton as High Performance Director.
With the SA A fixture on June 20 serving as the centrepiece of the Sables' domestic calendar before their departure for the Nations Cup in the United States on June 28, the SAS Training Camp represents the final major preparation block before Benade's squad faces its biggest test of the year.