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Dennis Ndlovu
Sports Reporter
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The Zimbabwe Sables have officially named their 23-man squad to take on regional powerhouses Namibia in the Rugby Africa Cup final on Saturday, a decisive fixture that doubles as a qualifier for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Led by captain Hilton Mudariki, the Sables head into the match with one goal in mind: to etch their names into the annals of Zimbabwean rugby by securing a return to the global stage for the first time since 1991.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cA lot of the boys here weren\u2019t even born at that time,\u201d Mudariki said, reflecting on Zimbabwe\u2019s past World Cup appearances. \u201cBut we\u2019ve seen the footage of Zimbabwe competing at the World Cup, and it definitely inspires us. We have the opportunity to inspire the next generation to become Sables players. We know we have a job on our hands this weekend, but we\u2019re super excited for the challenge.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sables head coach Pieter Benade echoed the sentiment, acknowledging the magnitude of the task while expressing faith in his squad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe have a lot of respect for the Namibians and their rugby culture,\u201d Benade stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBut it\u2019s our job to go and challenge. Whoever wins will carry the African flag into global tournaments. That\u2019s a responsibility our boys understand deeply, we\u2019re desperate to represent not just Zimbabwe, but the whole continent.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Benade also highlighted the emotional support the team has received.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe fans have been unbelievable these past few weeks, sending videos, messages, and just pouring in support. We want to give something back to them. They\u2019ve stuck with us through thick and thin, and now it\u2019s time to repay that faith.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As the final looms, Mudariki is under no illusion about what\u2019s at stake, both on and off the pitch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis match has huge financial implications for the country and our sport. Not just for us, but for the teenagers watching now, dreaming of becoming Sables one day. We\u2019ve got to step up,\u201d he emphasized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Still, the captain urged his squad to stay grounded while pushing for the win.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a game, yes, and the sun will rise the next day. But we\u2019ll be in a far better place if we come out on top. We\u2019re not just here to compete or play well, we\u2019re here to challenge Namibia and push for victory.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kick-off for the Rugby Africa Cup final is set to be held at Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.
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