eBusiness Weekly
Chipo Sabeta
In the middle of economic turbulence, Zimbabweans have something to smile about in the world of rugby as the national team under their brand name The Sables, have brought not only joy, but restoration of national pride in Africa and the rest of the world.
A few months ago rugby news was awash with mixed feelings about the dismissal of former Sables coach Peter de Villers, which triggered a player revolt and suspensions. Today it is all forgotten as the three big wins in the Victoria Cup have the loudest news thud.
The biggest of them being a nail biting 30-29 victory over Kenya’s Simbas at Hartsfield Stadium in Bulawayo last week, under Brendon Dawson, who was appointed at the helm as Zimbabwe’s coach for a second tenure in July and his assistant, former Springbok winger, Tonderai Chavhanga.
With that, The Sables remain unbeaten in the opening round Victoria Cup rugby competition and their win ended their four-year losing streak against the Simbas.
Speaking to our sister paper, The Sunday News Sport recently, Dawson said he was overjoyed to beat Kenya, seeing how the Kenyans have dominated Zimbabwe since 2016.
“Ecstatic guys, it’s a big relief, a lot of weight off my shoulders and a great run, I am much chuffed to have won the game.”
It is under this new era that Zimbabwe was led by a 24-year-old skipper, Brandon Mandivenga in The Sables’ first Test of the season.
Financial support is very crucial in the success of any sport and The Sables through their Trust hauled in some big guns who believed in their audacious gamble to send amateur young players to compete in the SuperSport Challenge this year.
Indeed the team faced massive opponents and came out without a win, but the intensity and exposure to such conditions fined tuned the Sables into the team that is leading in the Africa Cup.
Dawson who was a forward when he played for Zimbabwe, is obsessed with size and he has worked with the likes of Daniel Hondo to condition his charges. It is visible that the likes of Blithe Mavesera have gained mass and are well toned — with sourcing saying Mavesera gained 12kg in six weeks while camping in Cape Town.
The team has a solid balance with Chavhanga adding a lot of speed training and motivation to the back-line players resulting in strong finishes.
As a result of recent successes, the Zimbabwe Sables has moved from 36th to 35th on the World Rugby Rankings. Under Dawson in 2015 Zimbabwe moved from 59th to 24th in the world and despite several critics — Dawson has gotten Zimbabwe the best ever shot at world cup qualification.
On the flip side Zimbabwe Women’s Rugby is set for exciting times with the appointment of former Zimbabwe Sables scrum-half Philimon Machisa as the Women’s 15s coach and experienced Derek Chiwara as the sevens coach.
Already the ladies are in different camps working behind the scenes ahead of future competition such as the 15s away match to Zambia in September.
It may be a bit too early to start blowing The Sables horn too loud, but it is a much needed relief and if the results remain positive — there is a good chance that more support will come its way in the pursuit of a 2023 World Cup berth.
The Sables have three matches remaining, against Uganda in Harare on August 24 before they travel away to face Kenya and Zambia.
Dawson will be keen on the Victoria Cup, has a bearing on world rankings as well as the qualification route for the 2018 World Cup.
