Sables relish Namibia test in historic Harare homecoming
The Zimbabwe Sables are relishing the challenge of hosting its neighbour and fierce rival Namibia in a potentially explosive Test match at the National Sports Stadium in Harare on Saturday, to show the world how far they have evolved into a competitive side.
Kick-off is scheduled at 15:00 (no time difference with Namibia).
The Sables believe they are in the best shape to rewrite a painful history, having failed to beat the Namibians in Zimbabwe in the past 25 years.
When the 2001 Sables scraped through a 27-26 win in Harare against the Namibians under coach Henry Pretorius and captained by flank Wolfie Duvenhage, this would be their last success for almost a quarter of a century, until the two wins at the 2024 and 2025 Rugby Africa Cups, both hosted at the neutral venue Kampala.
Despite being labelled a friendly test match, there is consensus amongst the rugby faithful that this is more than just an exhibition.
It is a stern test for the Sables, who have never had it easy against Namibia.
For a side that recently qualified for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, marking Zimbabwe’s return to the global showcase next year for the first time since 1991, a defeat to Namibia could dent their confidence.
This match is one of their key preparatory tests for the World Cup, and a win will be a positive step towards the bigger task – a 2027 World Cup group containing England, Wales and Tonga.
The last time Zimbabwe were at the World Cup (England 1991), they were eliminated in the group stages after finishing fourth and last in Pool Two, following heavy defeats (51-11 to Ireland, 51-12 to Scotland and 51-8 loss to Japan).
After sealing another prestigious World Cup qualification in Uganda last July, vice-captain Kudzai Mashawi is aware of the mammoth task ahead of the Sables.
The powerful inside centre said after enjoying a successful year, they need to ensure they are in the best possible shape when they get to Australia for the World Cup. And the home test against Namibia is the major step.
“It has been a good year for us, achieving such a huge feat in the past year and obviously playing in the Nations Cup for the first time,” he said.
“We have learned as a group, likewise as a nation and you can see the vibe, the energy that the country has just having some sport going well for us.”
Mashawi said playing at home carries extra responsibility.
“Having qualified for the World Cup and having to play such a friendly at home, we ought to instil some confidence in our fans and that can only come with a win,” he said.
“Us going out there at National Sports Stadium to play against Namibia, we can call it a rivalry, but for us it’s another stepping stone so that we prepare for what we’re going up against in the coming weeks and months.
“But yeah, it’s going to be a nice feeling to have the massive support of Zimbabwe behind us.”
WELL-PREPARED
The Sables have spent the past weeks in an intense training camp fine-tuning combinations, set pieces and defensive structures, and Mashawi said the technical team has left no stone unturned.
This Test also marks a significant moment for local rugby, with international rugby returning to the giant stadium after two decades, giving fans a rare chance to watch world-class rugby on home soil.
The vice-captain believes a strong performance can inspire a new generation and reignite national passion for the 15-man game.
Mashawi is optimistic of a positive result to make sure that Zimbabwean sport keeps going up and forward, and has called on fans to turn up in numbers wearing green and white to create an intimidating fortress for the visitors.
BATTLE-HARDENED
At the 2026 World Rugby Nations Cup during the July window, the Zimbabweans did not win any of their three test matches, but nevertheless proved tough to beat, while also benefitting from the moulding on tour through North America.
The Sables provided many moments of magic during their defeats against Tonga (26-36) in Denver, Colorado; against USA (15-31) at Charlotte, North Carolina, and against Canada (19-31) in Winnipeg.
ABSENTEES
Zimbabwe coach Piet Benade has selected a team without several of their most high-profile foreign-based professionals.
Their nifty wing Edward Sigauke has impressed since joining Harlequins in the English Premier League in August this year.
Since retiring from the professional game in 2025, star fly-half Ian Prior has been juggling a full-time job with playing for Associates Rugby Club in Perth, Australia. This has limited his availability outside of international windows.
Bruce Houston (centre or fly-half) and Matthew McNab (centre and wing) both play for Coventry in England.
Among the forwards, flank/lock Simba Siraha is on club duty with Gernika in Spain, while Tinotenda Mavesere is with the Sharks in South Africa.
The absence of first-choice, French-based props Victor Mupunga (Bourg-en-Bresse) and Michael Kumbirai (Chambéry) also creates an opportunity to test the strength in depth.
ZIMBABWE TEAM
15 Tapiwa Mafura, 14 Darrel Makwasha, 13 Brandon Mudsekenyedzi, 12 Kudzai Mashawi, 11 Trevor Gurwe, 10 David Hayes, 9 Hilton Mudariki (captain), 8 Aiden Burnett (vice-captain), 7 Godfrey Muzanargwo, 6 Dylan Utete, 5 Godwin Mangenje, 4 Gary Porter, 3 Munashe Mhere, 2 Liam Larkan, 1 Deanne Makoni.
Bench: 16 Mathew Mandioma, 17 Ishmael Bara, 18 Emmanuel Gabi, 19 Daniel Cooke, 20 Tadiwanashe Gwashu, 21 Vuyani Dhlomo, 22 Keegan Joubert, 23 Dion Khumalo.
– Adapted from Herald Online (Veronica Gwaze)
