Zimbabwe have been boosted by the availability of the explosive South Africa-based star duo of Tino Mavesere and Tapiwa Mafura ahead ahead of the crucial Rugby Africa Cup tournament which gets underway in Uganda on Saturday.
The Sables will tackle hosts Uganda in their opening match at eight-team Africa Cup which serves as the first phase towards qualification for 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Head coach Piet Benade’s efforts to build a solid squad have been complimented by the availability of the vastly-experienced pair of Mavesere and Mafura, who have been in impressive form for their respective clubs.
Mavesere recently helped Sharks win the EPCR Challenge Cup while Mafura is fresh from scoring a spectacular Currie Cup hat-trick for the Lions last weekend, in only his second appearance for the Joburg side following his move from Free State Cheetahs.
Former Australia youth international Ian Prior is also earmarked to make his Sables debut after joining the squad last week.
Scrumhalf Hilton Mudadiki will co-captain the Sables in the continental tournament with centre Kudzai Mashawi.
Among the notable absentees from the squad are the France-based quartet of Tapiwa Tsomondo, TJ Maguranyanga, Shingirai Katsvere and Farai Mudariki as well as England-based winger Matthew McNab.
Zimbabwe will be hoping to make a strong start to their campaign against the hosts Uganda and a win will see them qualify for the semi-finals.
A total of 8 nations will be battling for honours at the Africa Cup namely Namibia, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Senegal, Algeria, Zimbabwe and hosts Uganda.
Only the top four sides will progress to next year’s final phase of World Cup qualifiers, giving extra incentive to the tournament.
Zimbabwe last played in the World Cup in 1991, where the Sables were the only African team in the tournament, as was the case in the inaugural edition in 1987.
Sables Squad
Forwards
Aiden Burnett (Vice Captain), Blythe Mavesere, Bornwell Gwinji, Brian Makamure, Brian Nyaude, Bryan Chiang, Cleopas Kundiona, David Makamba, Hilton Kamanda, Keegan Joubert, Kudakwashe Nyakufaringwa, Simba Mandioma, Simba Siraha, Tadiwa Gwashu, Victor Mapunga, Zvikomborero Chimoto, Tawanda Banda
Backs
Brandon Mudzekenyedzi, Darell Makwasha, Dion Khumalo, Hilton Mudariki (Captain), Ian Prior, Kudzi Mashawi (Co Captain), Takudzwa Musingwini, Tapiwa Mafura, Trevor Gurwe, Edward Sigauke