Zimbabwe will be seeking to finally end a 23-year winless jinx against their perennial nemesis Namibia in Test rugby when the two sides meet in the semi-finals of the Rugby Africa Cup in Kampala, Uganda on Wednesday.
The Sables booked their spot in the last four of the continental competition after a hard-fought 22-20 victory against hosts Uganda on Saturday.
Namibia on the other hand saw off Burkina Faso 38-5 in an earlier quarterfinal.
The Piet Benade-coached Sables will head into Wednesday’s encounter knowing that only a win will be enough to keep their Africa Cup titles hopes alive.
The winner of Wednesday’s encounter will take on the winner of the other semifinal between Kenya and Algeria in the final.
Namibia, whose rugby side is also known as the Welwitschias have dominated past meetings between the two teams.
In fact Zimbabwe have only beaten Namibia three times in 34 matches, with their last win over their rivals coming way back in July 2001 when they beat the Welwitschias 27-26 in an Africa Cup tie at Hartsfield Rugby Ground in Bulawayo.
Namibia also won the last clash against Zimbabwe 34-19 in July 2021, at the same stage of the continental competition at the Stade Maurice David, Aix-en-Provence in France.
Zimbabwe will however be seeking a change of fortunes in Wednesday’s encounter.
The Sables technical team has made just one change to the side which played Uganda on Saturday with debutant Dylan Utete replacing injured Brian Nyaude in the second row.
Head coach Benade expressed his optimism about the team’s chances against Namibia.
“Every match presents a new opportunity, and while history can provide motivation, we must focus on creating our own legacy. Namibia is a formidable opponent with a strong track record, but we are determined to challenge them and make our nation proud.”
The semi-finals will be a doubleheader at the , Mutesa II Stadium, Wankululunkuku, Kampala, with Kenya facing Algeria in the earlier match.
The squad:
Starting XV (1-15): Victor Mupunga, Simbarashe Mandioma, Cleopas Kundiona, kudakwashe Nyakufaringwa, Simbarashe Siraha, Dylan Utete (on debute), Aiden Burnett (VC), Hilton Mudariki (C), Ian Prior, Tinotenda Mavesera, Takudzwa Musingwini, Kudzai Mashawi, Brendon Mudzekenyedzi, Edward Sigauke, Tapiwa Mafura.
Replacements: Liam Larkan, Zvikomborero Chimoto (debute), Bornwell Gwinji, David Makamba, Tadiwa Gwashu (debute), Trevor Gurwe (debute), Keegan Joubert (debute), Dion Khumalo