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Cyprian Mandenge

Takudzwa Chitsiga, Harare Bureau
SABLES coach Cyprian “Super” Mandenge has revealed how he intends to beat plucky opponents Namibia in the second match of the Africa Gold Cup Group A1 at the Hage Geingob Stadium in Windhoek tomorrow.

The rugby match is part of a sporting festival featuring the two countries who will also battle in a Chan football showdown in Windhoek on Sunday.
Mandenge, whose team goes into the match as underdogs having repeatedly been beaten by the Welwitschias, believes they can turn it around this time.

The Sables left the country on Wednesday evening and the match is set for tomorrow at 4.30pm.

Zimbabwe are oozing with confidence after their win over Senegal in their first assignment and have been motivated by the coming on board of the Sable

Trust that will carter for their welfare during the entire campaign.

However, Namibia have the record of inflicting the Sables with their heaviest defeat in international rugby arena with an 80-6 demolition in 2015.

“We will try as much as we can to keep possession as they are a team which usually use the forwards to bully opponents so we are prepared for that,’’ he said.

“The good thing is that everyone is now professional and understands the basics of retaining possession and playing at the right position.

“We have studied their strengths and weaknesses and we will work on that.’’

The gaffer revealed there has been a huge interest from players who want to play for the Sables since the Sable Trust came on board.

“We have a very large pool of players to choose the best from and I don’t see the reason for us not to do well,’’ said Mandenge.

“Ever since the coming on board of the Trust all the players are willing to be part of the campaign, which is good for me, and the nation at large.’’

Namibia have gone to five straight IRB Rugby World Cups since their first appearance in 1999, while Zimbabwe have only two appearances back in 1987 and 1991.

Team

Denford Mutamangira (Harare Sports Club), Lawrence Clemison (Naka Bulle), Irvine Nduwa (Mat Warriors), Makanda David, Tolerence Zishe, Graham Cochrane (Old Georgians), Brian Nyaude (Neckarsulm Rugby), Jacques Leitao(Old Georgians), Fortunate Chipendu (Old Georgians), Takudzwa Mandiwanza (Old Hararians),, Connor Pritchard (Grifith University), Andrew Rose (Chicago Lions), Njabulo Ndlovu (UWC RC), Hilton Mudariki (Unirvesity on Pretoria), Tichafara Makwanya (Old Hararians), Stephan Handuza (Old Georgians), Capsopoulos Daniel (Old Georgians), Tendai Nyawata (UKZN Impi), Ngoni Chibuwe (Durban Collegians), Takudzwa Kumadiro (Harare Sports Club), Tarisai Mugariri (Mat Warriors), Tadius Dzandiwandira (Cape Town).