OPINION: Let’s back our boys one more time, they’re the best

BY TINO MOMBESHORA

HARARE – It has been heartening to hear so many people voicing their confidence in the Zimbabwe rugby squad that has been named for next week’s decisive World Cup qualifiers in Uganda.

For no one but ourselves as Zimbabweans should be giving full support to our players, hyping up their God-given talents, for this make-or-break tournament in Kampala beginning on Tuesday.

Truly speaking, this is the best side Zimbabwe could have assembled, after every possible effort was made to make sure that only the best players eligible to play for the Sables must be on that flight out of Harare on Friday.

Not stone was left unturned

The Sables during a training session at Harare Sports Club last week ahead of the World Cup qualifiers.

so whatever the outcome from Kampala will be, everyone involved with the Sables for this campaign should hold their heads high and definitely shouldn’t be annoyed with themselves for not doing well enough.

I’m well informed that over the past 12 months quite a number of players of Zimbabwean heritage – others previously capped and others not – were engaged in negotiations to try and strength the Sables for the Kampala showdown.

Some politely turned down the invitation for various reasons, and their decisions should be respected.

But equally worthy of respect are those that answered the call, because they are no less gifted athletes.

I say so chiefly because I’ve heard some voices of discontent – small and disrespectful – over our 31-man squad chosen for these qualifiers.

Disrespectful because to bewail the absence of players that didn’t raise up their hands for selection, justifiable reasons they may have, is to overlook the talents of those that made themselves available.

Take for example Ian Prior. He was born in Australia, and represented that country at Under-20 level. But in just the five Tests he has played for Zimbabwe, his fatherland, he has done so with nothing but pride and integrity.

Tapiwa Mafura is the other one. Born in Harare but raised up in the South African rugby system from the age of five, this man has also retraced his roots with quiet dignity to become a massive addition to the Sables family.

You can even add in there the teenage sensation Tyrone Gombe. Born back in Zimbabwe and raised in the Cape Town area since the age of two, he even speaks with a heavy Western Cape accent!

But this wonderkid has returned home and effortlessly fitted into the Sables set-up. After just three months with the squad, he has proved good enough for a seat on the flight to Uganda as Zimbabwe’s youngest player at just 19.

There are heroes all over that 31-man Sables list, with different strengths and skills, guys who will leave it all on the field for the flag.

As fans, we need to take a cue from the Sables head coach Piet Benade – the manner with which he has shown faith in his troops throughout this very exciting journey.

Last July when the Zimbabwe lost star players Cleopas Kundiona and Ian Prior for the Africa Cup final against Algeria, the youthful Sables gaffer was unfazed. He told the SportsCast traveling correspondent that prop Kundiona and flyhalf Prior’s absence was a perfect opportunity for others to step up at the big stage.

And who stepped up at the biggest stage, without fear and with extraordinary swagger? A 21-year-old winger from Mbare called Trevor Gurwe, who on his run-on debut in that final scored two brilliant tries in Zimbabwe’s comfortable 29-3 win over the Algerians.

A year later, young Gurwe is one of Zimbabwe’s best players in the bid to return to the World Cup for the first time since 1991.

It is all too easy and fashionable for us sports fans to be throwing names around, coming up with our own fantasy XV for our beloved national rugby team. Granted, most of those players on people’s wish-list are very good players.

But I dare say none of that band of 31 merry men flying out of Harare on Friday shouldn’t be there. Absolutely no one!

                          ZIMBABWE SQUAD

Forwards: Aiden Burnett, Bryan Chiang, Brian Makamure, Zvikomborero Chimoto, Victor Mupunga, Tyran Fagan, Jason Fraser, Bornwell Gwinji, Tadiwanashe Gwashu, Cleopas Kundiona, Liam Larkan, Simba Mandioma, Tino Mavesere, Godfrey Muzanargwo, Kudakwashe Nyakufaringwa, Simbarashe Siraha, Dylan Utete, Brian Nyaude.

Backs: Hilton Mudariki (captain), Trevor Gurwe, Keegan Joubert, Dion Khumalo, Tapiwa Mafura, Matt McNab, Kudzai Mashawi, Brandon Mudzekenyedzi, Taku Musingwini, Ed Sigauke, Ian Prior, Lenience Tambwera, Tyrone Gombe.

*Tino Mombeshora is a writer, graphic artist and sports fan. He regularly contributes to SportsCast.