It has been a week of good fortune for the Zimbabwe Sables. First, they convincingly thumped newcomers to the division, the Atlas Lions of Morocco, on Day 1 of the Rugby Africa Cup, then they received a token of $100,000 from President Emmerson Mnangagwa, and now they have welcomed flyhalf and utility back, Bruce Houston.
Houston, who was born in Ireland to a mother of Zimbabwean descent, joins the Sables for the remaining two match days of the competition which also serves as a direct qualifier to the rugby World Cup for the ultimate winner. The flyhalf has recently joined French side Bourg-en-Bresse, moving from the Cornish Pirates in the English Championship.
The Ulster Academy trained player, who also featured for and captained both the Ireland Under 18s and Under 19s, comes in to provide cover at 10 and 15, but it may be in the midfield where he’ll likely make his mark, as Ian Prior and Tapiwa Mafura seem indispensable in the aforementioned positions respectively.
Matt McNab is another player who makes his first appearance and starts of the tournament on the blind wing. The Doncaster Knights power runner returns to the Sables side for the first time since 2022, having been away to concentrate on his international club career in the second division of English rugby. These players are only a small piece of the Sables side that wants to return to the Rugby World Cup after 34 years.
Starting in midfield, Kudzai Mashawi and Brandon Mudzekenyedzi, are two big boys meant to quell the threat that the heavy ball-carrying pair of Walter Okoth & Bryceson Adaka pose from the Kenya Simbas. The Zimbabwe forwards remain largely unchanged. Simba Mandioma starts at hooker while Jason Fraser slots in at 8th man. Mudariki, Prior and Mafura complete the spine of the team.
The unforgettable Edward Sigauke starts again at open wing, while fellow gasmen, Trevor Ngurwe and Takudzwa Musingwini are entirely not in the matchday squad.
Starting XV: Victor Mupunga, Simba Mandioma, Cleopas Kundiona, Kudakwashe Nyakufaringwa, Simba Siraha, Tinotenda Mavesere, Godfrey Muzanargwo, Jason Fraser, Hilton Mudariki (captain), Ian Prior, Edward Sigauke, Kudzai Mashawi, Brandon Mudzekenyedzi, Matt McNab, Tapiwa Mafura
Substitutes: Liam Larkan, Tyran Fagan, Bornwell Gwinji, Aiden Burnett, Dylan Utete, Keegan Joubert, Dion Khumalo, Bruce Houston.