South Africa-based loose forward Tino Mavesere is poised to make a return to the Zimbabwe rugby side after a three year absence following his inclusion in their provisional squad for the Africa Cup in Uganda later this month.
The 25-year-old recently won the EPCR Challenge Cup with South African side Sharks, the same outfit where fellow Zimbabwe native Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira gained legendary status between 2006 and 2019.
Mavesere has not featured for the Sables since 2021 and there had been fears that after his impressive rise at the Sharks, he would consider switching nationality.
The former Churchill High School progidy now appears set to make his long awaited Sables comeback in the Rugby Africa Cup, which will be held in Uganda from July 18-30.
Mavesere is one of two players playing at the highest level in South Africa along with speedy back Tapiwa Mafura, who early this week sealed a move to the Johannesburg-based outfit Lions after a successful spell at Free State Cheetahs.
TJ Maguranyanga, the highly rated 21-year-old speedster, who plays for Top 14 club ASM Clermont Auvergne is one of four players based in France named in the Zimbabwe squad.
The other France-based players include tighthead prop Cleopas Kundiona of Pro D2 outfit USON Nevers, loosehead prop Victor Mupunga of Club Sportif Nuits-Saint-Georges Rugby and Tapiwa Tsomondo, who recently joined Rugby Club Auxerrois.
New Zealand-based star Brendon Mudzekenyedzi has also bounced back in the Sables fold after missing their previous Rugby World Cup Qualifiers.
Zimbabwe has also launched an audacious bid to lure former Australia youth international Ian Prior to play for the national XVs side during the crucial Rugby Africa Cup which also serves as the first stage of qualifying for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
Prior, who captained the Australian Super Rugby Pacific side Western Force last season Prior was born in Australia but grew up in Zimbabwe from the age of three after his parents moved to the country in 1993.
His parents were however, forced to flee the country and move back to Australia seven years later after being affected by the chaotic land redistribution programme at the turn of the millennium.
After featuring for several top teams in Australia during his successful career, Prior is expected to add some valuable experience to the Zimbabwe side.
Sables head coach Pieter Benade is confident that the team has the talent and depth to challenge for the continental competition in Uganda.
“We are excited to be heading to Uganda for the Rugby Africa Cup,” said Benade.
“We have selected a strong squad that is capable of winning the tournament. We know it will be a tough challenge, but we are confident that we can cause an upset.”
The Sables will begin their Rugby Africa Cup campaign against the hosts Uganda on July 20.
The full Sables squad is as follows:
Forwards
Aiden Burnett (Vice Captain), Blythe Mavesere, Bornwell Gwinji, Brian Makamure, Brian Nyaude, Bryan Chiang, Cleopas Kundiona, David Makamba, Hilton Kamanda, Huntley Masterson, Jeff Makoni, Keegan Joubert, Kudakwashe Nyakufaringwa, Liam Larkan, Neil Mawere, Simba Mandioma, Simba Siraha, Tadiwa Gwashu, Tapiwa Tsomondo, Victor Mapunga, Zvikomborero Chimoto
Backs
Brandon Mudzekenyedzi, Carlos Matemai, Darell Makwasha, Dion Khumalo, Gamu Nekati, Godfrey Magaramombe, Hilton Mudariki (Captain), Ian Prior, Kudzi Mashawi (Co Captain), Takudzwa Musingwini, Tapiwa Mafura, Thabani Maguranyanga, Trevor Gurwe