Game-On Reporter
The Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU) has unveiled a high-profile three-month schedule for the Sables, featuring intensive training camps in South Africa.
The itinerary begins with a four-day training camp with the Blue Bulls in Pretoria from May 27–30.
Following the Blue Bulls assignment, the Sables will regroup in Stellenbosch from June 8–13 for a second camp alongside the South Africa Under-20 squad.
This will culminate in a blockbuster showdown against the South Africa ‘A’ side (formerly SA Emerging) on June 20.
The high-stakes match will serve as the curtain-raiser for the Springboks’ season-opener against the Barbarians at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
The Sables will then depart for the United States on June 28, ahead of their Nations Cup opener against Tonga on July 4.
The heavy scheduling comes at a time of celebration for the team, which recently dominated the Annual National Sports Awards (ANSA).
The Sables were named Team of the Year, while Benade and referee Precious Pazani scooped the Coach and Official of the Year accolades, respectively.
Sables assistant coach Ricky Chirengende welcomed the recognition but emphasized that the team’s focus has swiftly shifted to the daunting task ahead.
“I think it’s very rewarding when you get recognised for your work,” said Chirengende.
“This is, obviously, off the back of a very successful 2024 and 2025. The last two years have been good for us, and we really appreciate the recognition.
“We just had a couple of tough games against the Zambians, but now we are heading into an even tougher period during the next couple of months.
“We are heading to the Blue Bulls, at the end of the month, then camping in Stellenbosch, which is going to obviously lead us to the big game against South Africa A.
“This will probably be the biggest game that any Zimbabwean team has played in recent years, barring the All Blacks Test,” he said.
Sables head coach Piet Benade has since named a revamped traveling squad for the camp, heavily reinforcing the team that recently secured back-to-back victories over Zambia.
The squad is bolstered by a significant foreign-based contingent.
South African-based players include Godfrey Muzanargwo (Valke), Munashe Mhere (Leopards), Kyle Theron (College Rovers), Munashe Dukuswa (University of Pretoria), and winger Edward Siguake (Emeris).
They are joined by the Spain-based duo of Bornwell Gwinji (Gernika Rugby Taldea) and Simba Mandioma (CP Les Abelles), alongside Kelvin Kanenungo (Bahrain Rugby Club) and Bryan Chaing (Brighton Park).
Zimbabwe squad:
Forwards: Jeff Makoni, Bryan Chaing, Bornwell Gwinji, Vuyani Dlomo, Tadiwanashe Gwashu, Godfrey Muzanargwo, Zvikomborero Chimoto, Simbarashe Mandioma, Munashe Mhere, Polite Phiri, Aiden Burnett, Liam Larkin, Kelvin Kanenungo, and Godwin Mangenje
Backs: Hilton Mudariki, Brendan Mason, Kudzai Mashawi, Darrel Makwasha, Trevor Gurwe, Tatenda Kamubvumbi, Godfrey Magaramombe, Kyle Theron, Munashe Dukuswa, Keagan Jourbert, Tapiwa Mafura, Edward Sigauke