On Saturday 4 August 2018, Zimbabwe will face Namibia at the newly renovated Hartsfield Grounds in Bulawayo. Zimbabwe began its 2018 Rugby Africa Gold Cup campaign on a lukewarm note with a draw and two consecutive losses away, leaving them in a precarious fourth place out of six.
The point hungry Sables have been in camp for a week with minor changes to the training squad which include the infusion of three Cheetahs, back from Zimbabwe’s Rugby World Cup Sevens attempt.
Shayne Makombe and Tafadzwa Chitokwindo have been added to the backline whilst Connor Pritchard assumes his place as a flank. Chitokwindo and Makombe were responsible for Zimbabwe’s first burst of tries in their opening match against Wales at the Rugby World Cup Sevens. Germany based lock, Antipas Kamkwindo will be joining the team, replacing Johannes Stander.
In the lead up to their next fixture, the Sables technical team has roped in Harare Sports Club head coach Daniel Hondo as the backline coach for the national team. Hondo, a former Sable & Cheetah in his time, said:
“We’re not doubting the players that have been playing rather, it’s an opportunity for us to see what other players have to offer for our game on Saturday. Namibia remains unchallenged in the competition and we hope we will be the team that puts pressure on them.” The HSC coach has successfully mentored his club into qualifying for the upcoming SARU Gold Cup.
On Sunday 29 July 2018, the team will break camp to allow players to travel to their respective polling stations ahead of Zimbabwe’s harmonised election The team is scheduled to reassemble in Bulawayo Monday evening.
The twenty-six men presently in camp for the Namibia fixture are: Denford Mutamangira, David Makanda, Farai Mudariki, Irvine Nduwa, Fortunate Chipendo, Takudzwa Mandiwanza, Connor Pritchard, Tapfuma Parirenyatwa, Ernest Mudzengerere, Lenience Tambwera, Mathew McNab, Brandon Mandivenga, Kudzai Mashawi, Takudzwa Kumadiro, Shingirai Katsvere, Mathew Mandioma, Cleopas Kundiona, Lawrence Cleminson, Antipas Kamkwindo, Brian Nyaude, Hilton Mudariki, Ziyanda Khupe, Shayne Makombe, Tafadzwa Mhende, Lucky Sithole and Tafadzwa Chitokwindo.
Zimbabwe’s next fixture in the Rugby Africa Gold Cup is scheduled for 18 August against host, Uganda.
Meanwhile,With only but a couple of unplayed remaining in the tightly contested 15s league in Zambia, the 7s league kicked off on Saturday 28th July, 2018 at the Konkola 7s taking place in the border town of Chililabombwe.
Speaking in an interview, Zambian Rugby blogger Tom Chaloba said “The tournament code named Oj 7s is held in honor of former player and coach Owen Busange. Owen who started his playing career at Konkola Rugby Club became a rugby sensation and fans favourite. He went on to play for other clubs namely, Nchanga Rugby Club, Chambishi Rugby Club, Green Buffaloes Rugby Club and Lusaka Rugby Club on the local scene”.
On the international scene, Owen had a stint at Raiders Rugby Club in Johannesburg, South Africa. After his playing career was cut short due to injury, he ventured into coaching where he recorded massive success both for club and country. He was appointed coach for Lusaka Rugby Club where he worked tirelessly to restore the status and fortunes of the club, Chaloba mentioned.
Upon noticing his work ethic, the Zambia Rugby Union Executive appointed him Assistant Coach of the National 7s Team under Head Coach Musa Zimba and they built a strong team that took part and successfully won medals in different tournaments.
When Coach Zimba stepped down, it was only natural that Owen took over the reins which held on to till he met his untimely death in a road traffic accident while coming from a rugby tournament in Kitwe.
This year’s Oj 7s tourney has attracted all but two teams in the Zambia Rugby Union set up.