BY ENOCK MUCHINJO IN KAMPALA, UGANDA
Zimbabwe head coach Piet Benade isn’t too concerned about losing three of his top players for the Rugby Africa Cup final against Algeria on Sunday, seeing it as an opportunity for others to step up to the plate on the big stage.
Flyhalf Ian Prior – who directed the Sables’ backline with real aplomb and showed a touch of class in the first two matches here – has returned to Australia for personal reasons and will miss Sunday’s epic showdown with the Algerians.
Tight-head prop Cleopas Kundiona and open-side flank Tino Mavesere, who were also key figures in the quarter-final and semi-final victories over Uganda and Namibia, left camp for weekend’s domestic rugby commitments in France and South Africa respectively.
“We knew months in advance that we would not have certain players available for this last match due to their clubs needing them back, or having limited releases,” Benade told SportsCast Saturday afternoon.
“Ian Prior is back in Perth, Cleopas Kundiona has returned to his French club (USON Nevers), Blithe Mavesere is back at the Sharks. The value these three have added has been immense and our squad has certainly benefitted both on and off the field having them around.”
Zimbabwe defeated Namibia 32-10 in the semi-finals on Wednesday – their first win over the great rivals in over two decades – so will fancy themselves as favourites to clinch the title on Sunday.
On the other hand the Algerians, who recorded an upset 20-12 win over Kenya in the other semi-final, will be primed to test the depth of a Zimbabwe team without three of its most outstanding players of the tournament. But Benade is excited to see opportunities open up for the other squad members.
“We see it as a positive,” said Benade.
“We want to build our depth and put our greater squad in an environment where they need to take responsibility, and grow from the experience of being in the final of such a tournament. While we will certainly miss that trio, it will provide a great learning opportunity for the players coming in. We believe that the time, investment and work we have done with the depth of our squad will give us the best opportunity to still come out and put on a good show for the supporters of the Sables.”
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe will have three starting line-up changes following the trio’s departure, as well as the positional switch of talisman Tapiwa Mafura from fullback to flyhalf.
The Lions wizard has been in sparkling form for Zimbabwe in Kampala and will be looking to create even more space and pose greater threat for Algeria at number 10.
The improving Takudzwa Musingwini moves from left-wing to 15 – where his ability to clear lines, tactical kicking and defence will be put to a stern test.
The newcomer in the Sables back-line is young Trevor Gurwe. The 21-year-old tear-away winger has been backed by the coach to display his range of abilities.
“Gurwe has skill to deal with high balls and he can counter,” remarked Benade. “They (Algeria) kick a lot.”
Algeria’s kicking game pivots on the 38-year-old fullback Julien Serge Caminati, who sunk the Kenyans on Wednesday with three penalties and a monster drop goal.
“They have a very good kicking game, so we are hoping and planning to try deal with that,” said Benade.
“It will be an amazing learning experience for our young back three of Trevor Gurwe who is just 21 years old, Edward Sigauke (20) and Taku Musingwini (22).”
Algeria have earned the admiration of Benade, whose Sables side will be up against it if the North Africans turn up as they did four days ago.
“Algeria have a number of very good footballers and their team is full of professionals playing mostly in France,” he said.
“So they will be formidable. Matching them technically will be key to getting our game flowing.”
Godfrey Muzanargwo at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala on Wednesday after arriving to join the Sables as a replacement. PIC: Jeff Murimbechi
Bornwell Gwinji, meanwhile, takes Kundiona’s place at tight-head. The Sables’ tournament replacement Godfrey Muzanargwo goes straight into the starting line-up at flank to fill the gap left by Mavesere.
ZIMBABWE LINE-UP
Starting: 1. Victor Mupunga 2. Simba Mandioma 3. Bornwell Gwinji 4. Kudakwashe Nyakufaringwa 5. Simba Siraha 6. Dylan Utete 7. Godfrey Muzanargwo 8. Aiden Burnett 9. Hilton Mudariki (captain) 10. Tapiwa Mafura 11. Edward Sigauke 12. Kudzai Mashawi 13. Brandon Mudzekenyedzi 14. Trevor Gurwe 15. Takudzwa Musingwini.
Substitutes: 16. Zvikomborero Chimoto 17. Liam Larkan 18. Brian Makamure 19. David Makamba 20. Tadiwa Gwashu 21. Keegan Joubert 22. Dion Khumalo 23. Darrel Makwasha.
