BY SPORTSCAST WRITER
HARARE – The Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU) has named a strong squad for the end-of-year tour of the United Arab Emirates and South Korea, with head coach Piet Benade saying the trip presents an opportunity to grow player pool ahead of next year’s crucial World Cup qualifiers.
32-year-old centre Kyle Godwin, who made just one appearance for the Australia in 2016, headlines the 27-man squad after returning to his country of birth to boost the southern African nation’s chances of qualifying for the 2027 World Cup finals.
The Zimbabweans, fresh from winning the Africa Cup in Uganda in July, have showed no sign of slowing down their tempo for the trip to UAE and South Korea.
They have made noteworthy replacements in all departments to fill gaps left by some outstanding Africa Cup performers who aren’t touring for various reasons.
“With a few boys busy with club commitments, it opens doors and provides other players with opportunities to represent the Sables in the upcoming matches,” Benade told SportsCast on Wednesday.
“We are looking to build on the momentum from July in Kampala by broadening the player base and getting a better idea of which areas of our game we need to work on heading into next year.”
In the forwards pack, former University of Cape Town star loose-forward Nyasha Tarusenga – a winner of the World University Rugby Cup title with the Ikeys – returns to the Sables fold.
The dynamic back-row, who is based in Hong Kong, last featured for Zimbabwe at a World Cup qualification tournament in France in 2022.
Exciting tight-head prop Munashe Mhere, who has already amassed valuable experience in South Africa despite his young age, has finally answered his homeland’s call and he makes the 27-man touring party.
Former University of Johannesburg flank Kelvin Kanenungo is another returnee in the forwards, as is front-rower Tyran Fagan.
In the backs, Godwin is the newcomer while fullback Tadius Hwata has clawed back into reckoning following a stellar domestic season in Zimbabwe.
Versatile back Brendon Marume, a shining of Zimbabwe’s back-to-back Youth Africa Cup titles in 2022 and 2023, will be look forward to make his Test debut on the tour.
Flyhalf and Africa Cup hero Ian Prior, the former Australia youth international, is back for his second tour abroad with the Sables.
Meanwhile talismanic fullback Tapiwa Mafura – the Africa Cup’s best player – has been excused from the tour despite the United Rugby Championship taking a break until end of November.
France-based props Victor Mupunga and Cleopas Kundioma were also not included.
The Sables will play against the UAE in Dubai on 5 November before moving over to South Korea for further matches on 7 and 15 November.
ZIMBABWE TOURING SQUAD
Forwards: Dylan Utete, Kelvin Kanenungo, Bornwell Gwinji, Munashe Mhere, Brian Makamure, Simba Siraha, Godfrey Muzanargwo, Nyasha Tarusenga, Tyran Fagan, Bryan Chiang, Kudakwashe Tarusenga, David Makamba, Tino Mavesere, Simba Mandioma, Jovan Bekker, Aiden Burnett.
Backs: Hilton Mudariki (captain), Dion Khumalo, Tadius Hwata, Kyle Godwin, Kudzai Mashawi, Brendan Marume, Trevor Gurwe, Ian Prior, Keegan Joubert, Brendon Mudzekenyedzi, Edward Sigauke.
