BY SPORTSCAST WRITER
HARARE – Zimbabwe rugby coach Piet Benade has explained the inclusion of veteran players in a second-string outfit to play a warm-up match on Saturday as his team readies for an end-of-year tour abroad, remarking that the seasoned stars shouldn’t be “discarded”.
Zimbabwe – who will play two historic Tests away to the United Arab Emirates and South Korea in November – have been preparing for those whirlwind trips by fielding an ‘A’ side over the past few weeks against local sides.
This Saturday at Harare Sports Club, a largely fringe squad mixed with some old warhorses will play against the Zimbabwe Under-20 team as Benade continues to try all possible combinations ahead of next year’s decisive World Cup qualification tournament in Uganda.
The Zimbabwe ‘A’ squad to take on the Young Sables at HSC includes players like the 36-year-old ex-international flyhalf Tichafara Makwanya, who is already a coach at club level and part of the national side’s management.
Then also players like Makwanya’s fellow flyhalf Lenience Tambwera as well as short-lived Sables captain Brandon Mandivenga.
“It’s important that the older servants of our game are not automatically discarded, and those who are still serving our game at club level play a huge role in the development and mindsets of younger players,” Benade told SportsCast on Friday evening.
“Provided they are performing at a certain level, players of any age should still be afforded pathways to contribute to Zimbabwean men’s rugby.”
Benade singled out some of the experienced players who will clash with the Young Sables on Saturday, stating the importance of their presence.
“T-Mak (Makwanya) has been very active this year and played a big role in Old Hararians winning the Paramount Garments league title (Zimbabwe’s premier rugby competition),” remarked Benade.
“Tambwera has been outstanding for Pitbulls, leading them to breakthrough victories against Harare Sports Club and Old Georgians this year.”
Benade also sees value in the inclusion of Mandivenga and another versatile back, Taddy Hwata, both in their late 20s to early 30s.
“Hwata has been excellent in both 15s and Sevens nationally this year,” said the 42-year-old Sables gaffer.
“Mandivenga is a former Sables captain, being given an opportunity to show what he still has left to offer. Mind you, we also have other players over the age of 30 who have played important roles both on and off the field such as Kudzai Mashawi, Hilton Mudariki, Brian Makamure, David Makamba and Ian Prior.”
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe Under-20 head coach Shaun De Souza is pleased to help his senior Sables counterpart Benade with the necessary preparations.
“It’s all about feeding into Piet Benade’s Sables, creating a depth chart for him and giving guys an opportunity to put their hands up for national selection,” said De Souza.
“So I think it’s definitely a win-win, as we look forward to the Sables going onto their year-end tour, one that hasn’t happened in a while. It’s definitely exciting for Zimbabwe rugby. We are looking forward to the fixture. Hopefully the crowd comes out in their numbers to support this worthy cause and give Piet Benade a good send-off to the year-end tour.”
