Zimpapers Logo

Takudzwa Chitsiga Harare Bureau
ZIMBAWE Under-19 rugby assistant coach, Bob Mahari, says they will not read too much into history as they face Namibia in the final of the Africa Cup Group 1A Tournament at St George’s College this afternoon. He believes the days when they were dominated by their rivals are quickly coming to an end. “We’re not intimidated by our opponents and I believe their dominance is quickly coming to an end,” said Mahari.

“They’ve just improved in the last three years but I’m sure that (dominance) is going to end. We’ve players who are hungry for success and if you look at what’s at stake you will understand what the players are after.”

The Zimbabweans will make some changes, especially at the backline, as they seek an improved show against their bitter rivals.

“We’ve been training hard and everything has been perfect and we now look forward to the game.

“We’ve had some changes but they’re tactical after we reviewed our game against Kenya we felt there were some positions which needed attention.

“The few changes will be mainly at the backline and they’ll involve Cole Bond, Tarisai Musarurwa and Martin Shioma.

“Also making his way into the team is fly-half Mathew Ushewokunze who will be coming in for Shingi Katsvere.

“If the players execute their game well and don’t let pressure get the better of them they’ll come out with a positive result.”

Shioma, who made his debut for the Limpopo Blue Bulls in their 24-19 Currie Cup Under-19 win over South Western Districts before he came here, is expected to add quality to the team.

The other match will see Kenya taking on Uganda for third place.

Young Sables Starting XV: 1. Rodrick Mubaiwa, 2. Tarisai Musasanura, 3. Justin Mendelsohn, 4. Martin Shioma 5. Kudakwashe Ndoro, 6. Connor Pritchard (captain), 7. Cole Bond, 8. Aiden Burnett, 9. Earnest Mudzengerere, 10. Joshua Gando, 11. Brian Matoramusha, 12. Mathew Ushewokunze, 13. Mudiwa Manhombo, 14. Tawanda Ngosi, 15. Tadiwa Gochera.

Replacements: 16. Panashe Sora, 17. Farai Lioga, 18. Francis Mungwari, 19. Ronald Jiri, 20. Shingi Katsvere, 21. Ngoni Zinyama, 22. Tinashe Gonese, 23. Russel Dinha, 24. Godwin Mangenje