The Sunday Mail
Tinashe Kusema
SABLES coach Cyprian “Supa” Mandenge will have to make do without six key players when Zimbabwe start their Africa Cup campaign with a clash against Kenya next month. Vice-captain Tichafara Makwanya (achilles), Kingsely Lang (concussion), Pieter Joubert (ankle), Njabulo Ndlovu (jaw), Matthew Mandioma and Alva Senderai (thigh) have all been ruled out of the July 9 clash at Morris Depot Police Grounds in Harare.
They are also doubtful for Zimbabwe’s second game against Uganda on July 28 at Hartsfield in Bulawayo.
“It hasn’t been the best of starts to our preparations,” said Mandenge. “We started off with a group of 46 squad players in camp but that has dwindled over the last couple of days with players leaving camp due to injury.
“The injuries have put a dent on our plans as we really need to kick off our Africa Cup campaign on the right footing and make sure that we stay in the competition right up until the World Cup qualifiers,” he said.
Mandenge said the hunt was on for the injured players’ replacements.
“If you look at the calibre of players we are set to miss, you will realise that we are in a bit of a fix. You have players like Tichafara Makwanya, who is the team’s vice-captain and one of most experienced senior players.
“Then you have grafters like Kingsley Lang, Pieter Joubert and Njabulo Ndlovu. You can’t replace or plan for that kind of talent and experience.
“However, we remain committed to giving it our all and will look far and wide for possible replacements while still monitoring these players’ progress,” he said.
The clash against Kenya will be the first time an international rugby match will be played at Police Grounds in 19 years.
The last time Zimbabwe played at the venue was on May 17, 1997 when the Sables suffered a 13-42 loss at the hands of Tonga.
Since then, international matches have been alternating between Harare Sports Club, Old Hararians, Prince Edward and Hartsfield.
