BY SPORTSCAST WRITER
HARARE – Brandon Mudzekenyedzi has switched to the right wing for Saturday’s historic Test against South Korea, allowing ex-Wallaby Kyle Godwin to make his run-on debut for Zimbabwe at outside-centre.
32-year-old Godwin made his Sables debut against the United Arab Emirates last week on the end-of-year tour of the Middle East and Asia, coming on as a substitute.
The Zimbabweans, who eased past the UAE 62-22 at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai on 5 November, will now conclude the two-match Test tours away to South Korea on Saturday.
Mudzekenyedzi was one of Zimbabwe’s most influential players as the Sables won the Africa Cup title in Uganda in July, forming a formidable centre combination with the veteran Kudzai Mashawi.
With pace to burn and an eye for the gap, Mudzekenyedzi can also pose a threat out wide and will look to further parade his versatility against the Koreans.
“Brandon has been one of the outstanding players for the Sables this year and will hopefully add experience to the back field with young Trevor Gurwe and Dion Khumalo waiting for opportunities to come on and impact in the second half,” Sables head coach Piet Benade told SportsCast on Friday.
Godwin in the number 13 shirt will bring variety to the Sables’ starting line-up with his excellent kicking game.
“Kyle has trained very well and has an educated left boot which can add value as both sides of the field open up with kicking options,” commented Benade.
ZIMBABWE LINE-UP
Starting: 15. Tadius Hwata 14. Brandon Mudzekenyedzi 13. Kyle Godwin 12. Kudzai Mashawi 11. Edward Sigauke 10. Ian Prior 9. Hilton Mudariki (captain) 8. Aiden Burnett 7. Tino Mavesere 6. Dylan Utete 5. Simba Siraha 4. Kudakwashe Nyakufaringwa 3. Bornwell Gwinji 2. Simba Mandioma 1. Tyran Fagan.
Substitutes: 16. Bryan Chiang 17. Jovan Bekker 18. Munashe Mhere 19. David Makamba 20. Kelvin Kanenungo 21. Keegan Joubert 22. Dion Khumalo 23. Trevor Gurwe.
