Former Springbok Chavhanga backs Zimbabwe to get the monkey off their back against Namibia

ENOCK MUCHINJO IN KAMPALA

Ex-Springbok Tonderai Chavhanga believes Zimbabwe have enough quality and squad balance to finally get the better of Namibia in the battle to qualify for the Rugby World Cup, as the two old rivals clash in a decisive Africa Cup final here on Saturday.

Namibia have conquered the African rugby scene over the past 26 years, bagging the continent’s single direct qualification place to the World Cup since 1999.

Zimbabwe-born former South Africa winger Chavhanga, who was briefly part of his native country’s warm-ups for the 2023 World Cup qualifiers as an assistant coach under Brendan Dawson, is upbeat about the Sables' chances of finally getting the monkey off their back against the Namibians.

Reigning champions Zimbabwe beat Namibia 32-10 in last year’s semi-finals to end a 23-year losing run to the Welwitschias, and Chavhanga thinks his fellow countrymen will prevail again in Saturday’s showdown in quest for the sole ticket to Australia 2027.

“Certainly, there is a good blend of guys with experience like (captain and scrumhalf) Hilton (Mudariki), as well as others who have played at the highest level in the URC like (fullback) Tapiwa (Mafura) and (flanker) Blithe (Tino Mavesere),” Chavhanga told SportsCast on the eve of the final.

“Then (flyhalf) Ian Prior’s goal-kicking has really been exceptional – so, so steady.”

The mixture of forward firepower and backline brilliance, which has been the hallmark of this Sables side in a seven-match Test winning streak since July 2024, sets up a tantalising final against a Namibia side that will look to gain a lot of ground in the opposition’s half.

“It’s nice that we have that very good tight-five of ours, (hooker, Simba) Mandioma has been there for a long, long time,” remarked Chavhanga.

“Cleopas (Kundiona, tight-head prop) is so strong. Godfrey (Muzanargwo, utility forward) is a lock who plays like a loose-forward.

“In the backs, I don’t know much about that youngster, Edward (Sigauke, winger). But I think he created a try in one of the first two games after breaking the line. Brandon (Mudzekenyedzi, outside-centre) is another very good player, he has played in New Zealand before. I think we have the chance this time to take down Namibia again.”

Zimbabwe have named an exciting back three of fullback Mafura as well as wingers Sigauke and Matt MacNab for the final. While much more has been expected of that back three in the tournament, Chavhanga reckons the trio always pose a threat in any game situation.

“The good thing is that they have the bag of tricks to do anything at any given time,” said Chavhanga.

“Maybe they’ve been advised to play a different role. Making tackles, not always doing the fancy stuff, or breaking lines – just making sure they are well-positioned to do the things that doesn’t come out as glorious.”

The Sables, who reached the final with a hard-fought 29-23 semi-final win over Kenya, have meanwhile suffered a blow after the big and bruising lock Kudakwashe ‘Goofy’ Nyakufaringwa was ruled out due to injury.

Godfrey Muzanargwo switches from the back-row to lock to partner Simba Siraha in the engine-room with Dylan Utete slotting in at open-side flank in the only change to the starting line-up.

                               ZIMBABWE TEAM

Starting: 15. Tapiwa Mafura 14. Matt McNab 13. Brandon Mudzekenyedzi 12. Kudzai Mashawi 11. Ed Sigauke 10. Ian Prior 9. Hilton Mudariki (captain) 8. Jason Fraser 7. Dylan Utete 6. Tino Mavesere 5. Simba Siraha 4. Godfrey Muzanargwo 3. Cleopas Kundiona 2. Simba Mandiona 1. Victor Mupunga.

Outstanding Zimbabwe flyhalf Ian Prior passes the ball during a training session with teammates ahead of Saturday's final with Namibia.

Bench: 16. Liam Larkan 17. Tyran Fagan 18. Bornwell Gwinji 19. Tadiwa Gwashu 20. Aiden Burnett 21. Keegan Joubert 22. Dion Khumalo 23. Bruce Houston.