ZIMBABWE Sables have announced their traveling squad for the return leg of the Battle of the Zambezi series against Zambia, scheduled for Saturday, 31 May, at 15:00 hours at the Leopards Hill Polocrosse Club.
Riding high after two dominant performances earlier this month at Harare Sports Club, beating Zambia 70–15 and dismantling Botswana 80–12 the Sables head into Lusaka brimming with confidence and cohesion. But captain Hilton Mudariki insists the mission is far from over.
“There’s a real buzz in camp,” Mudariki said. “Some of our overseas-based players have joined us, and the energy around this Zambian fixture is electric.”
Among the high-profile arrivals is Takudzwa Musingwini, the explosive fullback making waves in the U.S. collegiate scene, who was recently named to the Iowa Central Community College Tritons’ State All-Star Team. Also returning is Dylan Utete, fresh from a stellar start in South Korea’s top-flight rugby with Okman Rugby Club.
At the core of Zimbabwe’s forward pack is French-based veteran Simbarashe Mandioma, who adds gravitas to the front row alongside Tyran Fagan and Bornwell Gwinji. Mandioma’s selection follows his milestone 50th cap, achieved alongside Mudariki in November against South Korea cementing his place in Sables folklore.
To combat Zambia’s traditional bruising style, head coach Pieter Benade has opted for a forward-heavy 6–2 bench split, deploying a tactical “bomb squad” built for second-half physical supremacy.
“Zambia at home is never easy,” said Mudariki. “Every time we play them on their turf, it’s a battle. That’s why our depth and physicality will be key.”
Benade’s meticulous preparation began months in advance, assembling a blend of homegrown grit and international polish. The result? It is a fiercely competitive training environment where no jersey is guaranteed.
“Our early preparations have paid off,” added Mudariki. “We’ve had more players consistently available, and it’s made competition for spots incredibly intense.”
Behind the scenes, the coaching staff has been bolstered by the return of seasoned technical advisor Gert Smal, who rejoined the fold after helping mastermind Zimbabwe’s unbeaten 2024 Africa Cup campaign. Smal now links up with Denford Mtamangira and forwards coach Fortune Chipendu, sharpening the team’s set-piece and breakdown efficiency.
Not everything, however, has gone according to plan. The Sables will be without lightning-quick winger Darrel Makwasha, still sidelined with an ankle injury, and utility back Tadias Dzandiwandira, recovering from a collision sustained in the first Zambia test. French-based back Shingirai Katsvere, who notched a hat-trick against Botswana, is also ruled out on medical grounds.
With the Africa Cup looming in Uganda this July, the stakes are rising. The winner of that tournament will secure a direct ticket to the Rugby World Cup, while the runner-up faces the daunting repechage route—a path no African team has ever completed.
“This Zambian weekend is one of our final stepping stones before Uganda,” Mudariki concluded. “We know what’s at stake.”
On the other side of the Zambezi, Zambia are equally fired up. Team spokesperson Goodhope Mwewa confirmed a shake-up in the squad, designed to inject fresh energy into their campaign.
“We’ve introduced new players and believe they’ll bring a different dynamic,” said Mwewa. “Morale is high despite some injury setbacks—we’re confident of a strong showing at home.”
The starting XV features Tyran Fagan, Simbarashe Mandioma, Bornwell Gwinji, David Makamba, Nyasha Shiripinda, Dylan Utete, Brian Nyaude, Aiden Burnett (vice-captain), Hilton Mudariki (captain), Lenience Tambwera, Edward Sigauke, Kudzai Mashawi, Dion Khumalo, Trevor Gurwe, and Takudzwa Musingwini.
On the bench, the impact players include Zvikomborero Chimoto, Bryan Chiang, Brian Makamure, Takunda Kundishora, Tadiwanashe Gwashu, Vuyani Dhlomo, Tyrone Gombe, and Tapiwa Malenga.
AFROSPORTS
