By Kuchineyi Lewis
HARARE — Rugby fans are set for an explosive afternoon this Sunday, May 4th, as the Zimbabwe Sables lock horns with Zambia in the Zambezi Challenge at Harare Sports Club — and Head Coach Pieter Benade is placing his trust in battle-hardened Africa Cup veterans to lead the charge.
Benade has named a robust match-day squad featuring eleven players who lifted the 2023 Africa Cup in Uganda, and he’s counting on their experience to be the difference in what promises to be a fiercely contested fixture.
“There are 11 boys in our match-day squad who were present in Uganda.
“They need to take responsibility and make things easier for the boys coming in.
Zambia are our neighbours separated by a river, and they’re a competitive side. This should be an exciting turnout” Benade said.
Leading the Sables into battle is seasoned scrum-half Hilton Mudariki, backed by vice-captains Aiden Burnett and Dion Khumalo, who will add power and composure in the forward trenches.
Zimbabwe is expected to rely on its dynamic pack to dominate the breakdown and unleash the speed and flair of backs like Tapiwa Malenga and Darrel Makwasha.
Kick-off is set for 14:30 PM CAT, with live coverage on ZBC TV allowing fans across Zimbabwe to witness the rivalry unfold.
The curtain-raiser — a highly anticipated junior clash between Zimbabwe Under-20 and the Sharks Academy Under-20 of South Africa — begins at 11:30 AM CAT.
But the Sables will face a Zambian outfit brimming with intent. The visitors have undergone two weeks of rigorous training, and Team Manager Goodhope Mwewa has made their ambitions clear.
“Training has been intense with a view and desire to register an emphatic show against the Sables. This is operation sucker punch.
“We’ve studied their style, analysed strengths and weaknesses — we’re coming to play,” said Mwewa.
Zambia’s challenge will be led by formidable forwards such as Tadiwanashe Gwashu, Nkoma Chisanga and Gift Kabungo, while their backline — featuring speedsters Raymond Mwashi and Butemwe Koloko — threatens to turn any loose ball into points.
With last year’s fixtures between the two sides going down to the wire, Zimbabwe will be keen to establish early dominance and avoid late drama in front of a home crowd expected to turn out in full voice.
More than just a match, the Zambezi Challenge is shaping up as a celebration of Southern African rugby — a platform for both proven warriors and rising stars to stake their claim.
Zimbabwe Sables Starting XV:
Jeff Makoni, Bryan Chiang, Bornwell Gwinji, David Makamba, Nyasha Shiripinda*, Tadiwanashe Gwashu, Brian Nyaunde, Aiden Burnett (VC), Hilton Mudariki (C), Lenience Tambwera, Darrel Makwasha, Tapiwa Malenga*, Dion Khumalo (VC), Trevor Gurwe, Tadius Dzandiwandira.
Impact Players: Vuyiswa Mpofu*, Deanne Makoni, Brian Makamure, Takunda Kundishora, Vuyani Dhlomo*, Tyrone Gombe*, Shingi Katsvere, Ryan Musumhi*.
Zambia Starting XV:
Ali Bhika, Lawrence Lesa, Gift Kabungo, Vincent Nkole, Hilary Mn’gawa, Nkoma Chisanga, Pupe Fisonge, Rodgers Mukupa, Mwila Mulenga, Redson Lukwesa, Kasitu Kapele, Raymond Mwashi, Butemwe Koloko, Alex Mwewa, Jason Thole.
Impact Players: Berthrock Sikaona, Enock Mutembo, Samungole Kakoma, Willie Syamujulu, Misheck Lukwesa, Langani Siziba, James Mutambo, Cosmas Masebo, Gift Mwila, Ian Mukupuka, Kasorota, Joshua Siajombo, Chaoneka Chipili.
