The Bulawayo Metropolitan Rugby & Football Association, in conjunction with Zimbabwe Rugby, will host the Zimbabwe A vs Bulawayo Province clash at Hartsfield Rugby Grounds on Saturday, 14 September.
Bulawayo Province is the next stop in the Sables‘ victory tour following their Africa Cup triumph in Uganda.
The rugby community will have the opportunity to engage in a meet-and-greet session with the players as they are presented with the trophy.
Sables playing Rugby in Bulawayo image credit Jeff Murimbechi
Sables Head Coach Piet Benade has selected a mix of fringe players, all eligible for national team call-ups, including active Sables from the Africa Cup.
“We continue to work behind the scenes with different players. Our ultimate goal is world cup qualification, and this trip to Bulawayo serves many purposes in the grand plan.
“It’s important that our local players face strong opposition, and Bulawayo Province is sure to provide a challenging test.
“The team has what I believe is a good mix of our local players with experience as well as the younger players coming up,” said Benade.
Zimbabwe A will be led by experienced center Kudzai Mashawi, who is ready for the challenge and is guarding his charges against complacency.
“Many of the guys have just won the Paramount Garments Harare Provincial Cup and played in either the finals or semi-finals. It won’t be a walk in the park, especially at Hartsfield Rugby Grounds.
“We know what each game means to us, and trust me, no one on that park will give anything less than their all.
“Bulawayo Province has a strong Zimbabwean Rugby heritage, and we expect stiff competition on Saturday,” said Mashawi.
The squad departed for Bulawayo on Friday morning.
The team will present the Rugby Africa Trophy in the Midlands Province, where they will host a coaching clinic at Chaplin High School before proceeding to Bulawayo.
Sables Captain Hilton Mudariki will not be part of the playing squad as he was ruled out after sustaining a rib injury in the Paramount Garments Harare Provincial Cup final while playing for Old Hararians.
However, Mudariki will be traveling with the team and will lead the Midlands Province coaching session.
Team physiotherapist Amanda Tererai says Mudariki will need a minimum of six weeks to recover.
“We are monitoring the rehabilitation of Hilton Mudariki’s injury, and unfortunately, he will have to take no less than six weeks to recover. Further assessment will be made to ascertain his fitness,” said Tererai.
Zimbabwe A will face off against Bulawayo Province at 15:00 hours.
Zim A Team:
* * Prop: Zvikomborero Chimoto
* * Hooker: Tawanda Banda
* * Prop: Bornwell Gwinji
* * Lock: David Makamba
* * Lock: Brian Nyaude
* * Openside: Tadiwa Gwashu
* * Blindside: Vuyani Dhlomo
* * 8th Man: Aiden Burnette (Vice Captain)
* * Scrumhalf: Nigel Tinarwo
* * Flyhalf: Lenience Tambwera (Vice Captain)
* * Wing: Darell Makwasha
* * Center: Kudzai Mashawi (Captain)
* * Center: Dion Khumalo
* * Wing: Trevor Gurwe
* * Fullback: Tadius Hwata
Reserves:
Edwin Nxumalo, Benoni Nekairo, Gamuchirai Nekati, Carlos Matemai, Tonderai Chiwambutsa, Nyasha Shiripinda, Takunda Kundishora, Brian Makamure, Wayne Kunaka, Vuyiswa Mpofu
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