This archive report was first published on 20 September 2019.
September 20, 2019 - Zimbabwe's national rugby team, the Sables, are on a mission to win all six matches in the Victoria Cup, and they are not leaving anything to chance. With a game to spare, they have already secured the four-team tournament, but they are now targeting a whitewash in their final match against Kenya in Nairobi.
Manager Jason Maritz has made it clear that failure to beat the East Africans would be a step backwards for the team. The Sables have won all five matches in the competition so far, and Maritz said their target was to win all six matches.
"We are out in Kenya with the Victoria Cup in the bag already. We are proud of that," Maritz said. "Winning the Victoria Cup, with a game still to play, is great stuff. Our initial aim remains that of posting six wins out of six. We are under no illusions, though, we know the match against Kenya will be very tough."
Coach Brendan Dawson has made some changes to the squad, giving a chance to other players he intends to use in the 2023 World Cup qualifiers. "We are laying out the foundation for the 2023 Rugby World Cup so we need to improve," Dawson said.
The Sables squad includes Tatenda Rwenyu, Kieth Murray, David Makanda, Sean Beevor, Godfrey Muzanargwo, Godwin Mangenje, Brian Nyaude, Biselele Tshamala, Hilton Mudariki, Dudlee White Sharpley, Blithe Mavesere, Chibuwe Ngoni, Daniel Capsopoulos, Takudzwa Kumadiro, Kudakwashe Chiwanza, Bornwell Gwinji, Matthew Mandioma, Royal Mwale, George Saungweme, Tonderai Dwadwa, Rufaro Chikwaira, Njabulo Ndlovu, and Jeremiah Jaravaza.
