OnSport Reporter
Despite having annihilated Zambia with a score margin of over 50 in their previous meeting, Zimbabwe’s rugby team is not taking any chances and has named a strong travelling squad.
The Sables face Zambia tomorrow in the return leg of the Battle of the Zambezi at the Leopards Hill Polocrosse Club in Lusaka.
The squad announcement follows back-to-back home wins at Harare Sports Club, where the Sables thrashed Zambia 70–15 and then overpowered Botswana 80–12.
Several overseas-based players rejoin the team, including rising U.S. college star Takudzwa Musingwini and South Korea-based flanker Dylan Utete.
Veteran French-based hooker Simbarashe Mandioma returns to anchor a formidable front row, alongside props Tyran Fagan and Bornwell Gwinji.
Head coach Pieter Benade has opted for a 6–2 bench split, favouring forward reinforcements to match Zambia’s physical style. The inclusion of seasoned campaigners and international flair shows the Sables’ intent to maintain their dominance.
Injuries have sidelined key players like speedster, Darrel Makwasha and Tadias Dzandiwandira, while French-based back Shingirai Katsvere is also unavailable after a standout performance against Botswana.
Behind the scenes, the return of technical advisor Gert Smal, who helped guide Zimbabwe to an unbeaten 2024 Africa Cup campaign, adds further firepower to the coaching section.
The Lusaka test is a critical step in the Sables’ preparations for the Africa Cup in Uganda this July, where the stakes are high—automatic World Cup qualification for the winner.
Zimbabwe Sables Starting XV:
1. Tyran Fagan
2. Simbarashe Mandioma
3. Bornwell Gwinji
4. David Makamba
5. Nyasha Shiripinda
6. Dylan Utete
7. Brian Nyaude
8. Aiden Burnett (VC)
9. Hilton Mudariki (C)
10. Lenience Tambwera
11. Edward Sigauke
12. Kudzai Mashawi
13. Dion Khumalo
14. Trevor Gurwe
15. Takudzwa Musingwini
Impact Players:
• Zvikomborero Chimoto
• Bryan Chiang
• Brian Makamure
• Takunda Kundishora
• Tadiwanashe Gwashu
• Vuyani Dhlomo
• Tyrone Gombe
• Tapiwa Malenga
Sables Name Strong Squad for Zambezi Showdown in Lusaka
