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Brandon Moyo, [email protected]

SABLES head coach, Piet Benade is wary of the threat that Namibia poses in a 2024 Rugby Africa Cup semi-final at the Mutesa II Stadium in Kampala, Uganda today.

The tie looks like a mammoth assignment for Zimbabwe as the Welwitschias are the defending champions.
On Saturday, the Sables booked themselves a place in the semi-final after edging the hosts 22-20 in hard-fought victory.

Zimbabwe are facing a team that took part in the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. With that, the South West African nation goes into the match as favourites.

Perhaps the underdog tag could be what could spur the Sables on.
Coach Benade has conceded that their opponents are no-pushovers.

In an interview with online publication SportsCast in Kampala, Benade believes that their opponents have had more exposure as they have played more Test matches, which gives them a psychological difference.
However, he is confident that they will be playing in the finals on Sunday.

“Only months ago, they (Namibia) were playing the likes of the All Blacks and France in a World Cup, so they are well prepared and battle-hardened at this level. So, it will be a big job to match their intensity and accuracy at Test level. However, we are confident we can put on a good show against our regional rivals and mount a tough fight for a spot in the final,” said Benade.

Sables at the 2024 Rugby Africa Cup in Kampala, Uganda

He also expects a game of set pieces and discipline.
The on-going Rugby Africa Cup serves as the first step towards qualification for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia and Zimbabwe’ opponents today have enjoyed good success in the tournament, being the only side to qualify from the tournament since 1999.

Namibia beat Kenya in the previous event to win the tournament to make it a record nine times.
The Sables have only won the continental championship once and will be hoping to book their first ticket to the global showpiece since 1991.

Should the Sables win against the Welwitschias they will face the winner of the other semi-final between Kenya and Algeria.

In case of a defeat, it will not be the end of the road as they will play in the third-place play-off match against the loser of the other semi-final.

In their opening match against the hosts, Uganda on Saturday, Benade’s men survived a second-half onslaught to hang on to a narrow victory.

The Sables went into the half-time break with a comfortable 22-0 lead before Uganda came back a different side in the second half, scoring 20, however, the Sables managed to hold their nerves.

Edward Sigauke, Takudzwa Musingwini and Takudzwa Mashawi were the three players who managed to score the tries to give the Sables a comfortable 22-point lead at half-time.
Namibia walloped Burkina Faso 38-5 in their quarter-final encounter.

Today’s game is scheduled to start at 4pm and will be available on live streaming on the Rugby Africa Facebook and YouTube platforms as well as Rugby Pass TV.
Sables team for Namibia Test:

STARTING XV:
Victor Mupunga, Simba Mandioma, Cleopas Kundiona, Kudakwashe Nyakufaringwa, Simba Siraha, B, Aiden Burnett (VC), Hilton Mudariki (C), Ian Prior, Takudzwa Musingwini, Kudzai Mashawi, Brandon Mudzekenyedzi, Edward Sigauke, Tapiwa Mafura.

RESERVES: Liam Larkan, Zvikomborero Chimoto, Bornwell Gwinji, Dylan Utete, Tadiwa Gwashu, Keegan Joubert, Dion Khumalo.
—@brandon_malvin