THE Zimbabwe Sables kick off their 2026 international campaign this afternoon, hosting traditional rivals Zambia in what promises to be a physical encounter at the Harare Sports Club.
With the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia looming on the horizon, this two-match series, beginning in Harare today and concluding in Bulawayo next month, serves as the critical foundation for coach Pieter Benade’s long-term vision.
Despite the lack of a formal domestic league in the build-up, Benade expressed confidence in the work put in behind the scenes.
“We’ve had the group together, you know, training unofficially since January,” Benade said during the pre-match Press conference.
“It’s a little bit tricky with not having club league or anything, so we’ve managed to organise a couple of internal fixtures and we had the trip to Louis-Trichardt. So, hopefully that’s enough.”
The Sables mentor is well aware of the physical challenge the neighbours from across the Zambezi bring to the capital.
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“It will be a good test for the local boys to see if they can cope with the power of the Zambians.
“But we’re looking forward to hopefully putting on an entertaining game.”
The headline news for the Sables is the return of Tapiwa Mafura.
The 30-year-old fullback, recently back from a stint with the Lions in South Africa, provides an immediate injection of pace and tactical kicking.
His presence at the back, combined with the leadership of captain Hilton Mudariki, gives the Sables a formidable spine.
In the trenches, all eyes will be on France-based prop Michael Kumbirai.
After years of injury-induced delays since declaring for Zimbabwe in 2023, the former Sharks and Stormers front-rower finally earns his debut.
His scrummaging prowess will be vital against a Zambian side known for their grit.
While Zimbabwe enter as the favourite, Zambia captain Ali Bhaki believes the gap between the two sides is narrower than previous scorelines suggest.
Reflecting on past encounters, Bhaki noted that discipline has been their primary hurdle.
“I think the results speak for themselves,” he explained.
“Aside from the game where we had a runaway score last year, we had a red card in the 80 minutes of the game.
“It’s challenging to play against a quality side with a man down for the most part of the game.”
Bhaki pointed to their recent home performance as a blueprint for an upset in Harare.
“But all things being equal, we have managed to produce close results.
“Especially last year in Lusaka, we had a very close game.
“And we’re looking forward to bringing that performance into this game.”
This afternoon’s clash is the first step in a congested calendar that includes a high-profile fixture against South Africa ‘A’ in June and the World Rugby Nations Cup in July.
With Tonga awaiting them on July 4, Benade’s men cannot afford a sluggish start today.
Kick-off is at the Machinery Exchange Grounds, where the Sables will look to prove that their months of “unofficial” training have sharpened them into a force ready for the international stage.
Zimbabwe Sables Starting XV
- Dean Makoni, 2. Liam Larkan, 3. Michael Kumbirai, 4. Nyasha Shiripinda, 5. Kudakwashe Nyakufaringwa, 6. Tadiwa Gwashu, 7. Polite Phiri, 8. Vuyani Dhlomo, 9. Hilton Mudariki (C), 10. David Hayes, 11. Tatenda Kamubvumbe, 12. Kudzai Mashawi, 13. Darrell Makwasha, 14. Godfrey Magaramombe, 15. Tapiwa Mafura