Kuchineyi Lewis
With a place at the 2027 Rugby World Cup at stake, the Zimbabwe Sables have made it clear: their sights are locked on Africa Cup glory.
Victory in July’s continental tournament in Uganda guarantees a ticket to rugby’s biggest stage and the Sables intend to punch theirs.
Their next test on the road to that dream is this weekend’s second leg of the Battle of the Zambezi series, where they face Zambia on Saturday, May 31, at the Leopards Hill Polocrosse Club in Lusaka. Kick-off is at 15:00 hours.
Fresh off back-to-back home wins—70–15 over Zambia and 80–12 against Botswana, the Sables head into enemy territory with momentum, form, and growing belief.
Team captain Hilton Mudariki reflected the mood in camp:
“There are exciting times ahead for the team. Some of the guys based overseas have flown in, and there is a real buzz about this Zambian match.”
That buzz includes the return of several key internationals; fullback Takudzwa Musingwini, fresh from being named in the Iowa Central Tritons’ State All-Star Team in the United States, brings flair and pace to the backline.
Flanker Dylan Utete also rejoins the squad after making a strong start with South Korea’s top-tier Okman Rugby Club.
The Sables’ engine room is reinforced by seasoned campaigners in the form of France-based hooker Simbarashe Mandioma leading the front row alongside powerful props Tyran Fagan and Bornwell Gwinji.
Mandioma’s inclusion adds to his 50-plus international caps, a milestone reached last November against South Korea.
Head coach Pieter Benade has opted for a six-forwards, two-backs bench split, highlighting his plan to match Zambia’s traditional physicality head-on.
The strategy, often dubbed the “bomb squad” approach, is designed to bring fresh muscle in the latter stages of a bruising encounter.
“We know Zambia will be tough, especially at home.
“The internal competition for places has been intense, which is what you want heading into a tournament like the Africa Cup,” said Mudariki.
That tournament, slated for July, is the defining goal. This year’s edition is more than continental pride; it offers a direct pathway to the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
The champion qualifies outright, while the runner-up must navigate the global repechage, a daunting path no African side has ever conquered.
The Sables’ technical team has also been bolstered by the return of veteran South African coach Gert Smal as technical advisor.
Smal was instrumental in the team’s unbeaten 2024 Africa Cup campaign and will now assist Denford Mtamangira and forwards coach Fortune Chipendu, focusing on set pieces and forward dynamics.
Despite the optimism, the squad will be without several key players like the electric winger, Darrel Makwasha who remains sidelined with an ankle injury, while Tadias Dzandiwandira hasn’t recovered from a heavy knock in the first Zambia test.
French-based back Shingirai Katsvere is also out indefinitely after sustaining an injury following his hat-trick against Botswana.
Saturday’s clash will serve as the Sables’ final competitive tune-up before Uganda, and Zambia are looking to disrupt their momentum.
The Zambian team spokesperson Goodhope Mwewa expressed confidence in their restructured lineup:
“We’re excited about the new dynamic in the squad. Morale is high and the players are jellying well. Injuries have hit us, but we’re working hard to bounce back.”
The Sables will depart from Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport this afternoon.
The match will be streamed live via Zambia Rugby’s social media platforms and Sports Ai’s mobile app and website.
Zimbabwe Sables Starting XV:
- Tyran Fagan – Prop
- Simbarashe Mandioma – Hooker
- Bornwell Gwinji – Prop
- David Makamba – Lock
- Nyasha Shiripinda – Lock
- Dylan Utete – Openside Flanker
- Brian Nyaude – Blindside Flanker
- Aiden Burnett – 8th Man (Vice-Captain)
- Hilton Mudariki – Scrumhalf (Captain)
- Lenience Tambwera – Flyhalf
- Edward Sigauke – Wing
- Kudzai Mashawi – Inside Centre
- Dion Khumalo – Outside Centre
- Trevor Gurwe – Wing
- Takudzwa Musingwini – Fullback
Replacements (Impact Players):
- Zvikomborero Chimoto (Prop)
- Bryan Chiang (Hooker)
- Brian Makamure (Prop)
- Takunda Kundishora (Lock)
- Tadiwanashe Gwashu (Flanker)
- Vuyani Dhlomo (Flanker)
- Tyrone Gombe (Scrumhalf)
- Tapiwa Malenga (Centre)
As the Sables chase history, all eyes turn to Lusaka. A win on Saturday won’t secure the World Cup berth, but it would send a strong message: Zimbabwe are serious contenders to rule Africa again and to return to rugby’s grandest stage.
