Harare, Zimbabwe – 29 May 2025 | The Zimbabwe National Rugby team Sables have named their travelling squad for the return leg of the Battle of the Zambezi series against Zambia, set to take place on Saturday the 31st of May at the Leopards Hill Polo crosse Club at 15:00 hrs in Lusaka.
This follows two emphatic home victories at Harare Sports Club, where the Sables overpowered Zambia 70–15 on 4 May before dismantling Botswana 80–12 in another high-scoring performance. As the squad regroups for this crucial away fixture, team captain Hilton Mudariki acknowledges the vibrant atmosphere around camp, noting:
“There are exciting times ahead of the team as some of the guys that are based overseas have flown in and there is a real buzz about this Zambian match.”
Among those arrivals is Takudzwa Musingwini, a dynamic fullback recently named in the Iowa Central Community College Tritons’ State All-Star Team in the United States. Also rejoining the fold is Dylan Utete, coming off the back of an impressive start at South Korea’s Okman Rugby Club, where he recently signed for the country’s top-tier rugby league.
The front row boasts considerable experience heft, veteran French basedhooker Simbarashe Mandioma anchoring the scrum. Mandioma’s inclusion is especially significant, as adds another cap to 50th cap milestone which he reached with Hilton Mudariki against South Korea in November—a feat only a handful of Sables have achieved in the team’s storied history.
He will be bound to Spanish based duo of are joined by Tyran Fagan and Bornwell Gwinji, both powerful props completing a fearsome front row unit tasked with enforcing dominance up front.
To reinforce this physicality, head coach Pieter Benade has employed a 6–2 split on the bench, favouring six forwards and just two backs as impact players. This “bomb squad” strategy is designed specifically to counter the traditional muscle and physical style that Zambia brings to home fixtures.
Mudariki emphasised the significance of this decision, saying: “We know how much of a tough game Zambia will give us, especially every time we play them when they are hosting.”
“Competition for places has been intense—these are the sort of problems you want the coach to have. You want it to be as competitive as possible.”
That internal competition has been fuelled by the Sables’ early preparation efforts this year. Coach Benade began assembling the core of this squad months ahead of schedule, with a strong base of local and foreign-based players consistently available for sessions.
Said Mudariki: “Our preparations have been very good, especially because we started training earlier this year and a lot more guys have been available.”
“There is a real competition internally for starting spots within the team.”
Behind the scenes, the Sables’ tactical foundation has received a major boost with the arrival of technical advisor Gert Smal, who rejoins the national setup.
The South African veteran was part of the Sables’ historic unbeaten 2024 Africa Cup campaign and will now assist retired captain Denford Mtamangira and forwards coach Fortune Chipendu, focusing on forward play and set-piece execution.
Not all news has been celebratory, however. Speedster Darrel Makwasha remains out with an ankle injury, while Tadias Dzandiwandira, who suffered a heavy collision in the first Zambia test, has not recovered in time.
French-based back Shingirai Katsvere, will also take some time off on medical grounds after his hat-trick against Botswana has taken him out of contention indefinitely. Looking ahead, the Sables’ focus is now firmly set on defending their Africa Cup title in Uganda this July.
This year’s tournament is especially critical, as the winner earns automatic qualification to the Rugby World Cup, while the runner-up must attempt the grueling repechage route—a path no African nation has ever successfully navigated in nine attempts. Captain Mudariki summarised the team’s mindset ahead of the Lusaka clash:
“Overall, we are excited about this Zambian weekend as one of the final steps into our preparations for the Africa Cup in July.”
Meanwhile, Zambia have made notable changes to their own lineup and expressed renewed optimism heading into the match. Zambian team spokesperson Goodhope Mwewa shared:
“We’re excited about the new lineup and believe it’ll bring a fresh dynamic to the game.”
“The team has undergone some changes, with new players brought in to strengthen the lineup. Morale is high, and the players have bonded well.”
“We’ve had a couple of injuries, but we’re working hard to get our players back on track. Injuries are part of the game.”
Zimbabwe Sables Starting XV:
1. Prop – Tyran Fagan
2. Hooker – Simbarashe Mandioma
3. Prop – Bornwell Gwinji
4. Lock – David Makamba
5. Lock – Nyasha Shiripinda
6. Openside Flanker – Dylan Utete
7. Blindside Flanker – Brian Nyaude
8. 8th Man – Aiden Burnett (Vice-Captain)
9. Scrumhalf – Hilton Mudariki (Captain)
10. Flyhalf – Lenience Tambwera
11. Wing – Edward Sigauke
12. Inside Centre – Kudzai Mashawi
13. Outside Centre – Dion Khumalo
14. Wing – Trevor Gurwe
15. Fullback – Takudzwa Musingwini
Impact Players (Replacements):
• Prop – Zvikomborero Chimoto
• Hooker – Bryan Chiang
• Prop – Brian Makamure
• Lock – Takunda Kundishora
• Flanker – Tadiwanashe Gwashu
• Flanker – Vuyani Dhlomo
• Scrumhalf – Tyrone Gombe
• Centre – Tapiwa Malenga
