Sables v Bots: Teenage sensation Gombe makes run-on debut, Khumalo handed captaincy

BY SPORTSCAST WRITER

HARARE – Former Zimbabwe Under-20 ace Dion Khumalo will captain the country’s senior rugby team against Botswana on Saturday while 18-year-old scrumhalf Tyrone Gombe starts ahead of permanent skipper Hilton Mudariki as the Sables continue to give young players influential roles.

The match against Botswana at Harare Sports Club is part of Zimbabwe’s preparations for July’s crucial Africa Cup in Uganda, a tournament that serves as qualifiers for the next World Cup in 2027. The Sables got off to a flying start in their build-up last Sunday, thumping Zambia 70-15 at HSC with some of the side’s younger players shining.

21-year-old outside-centre Khumalo was one of them, and he has now been handed an opportunity to grow in a leadership capacity with the Sables ringing in several changes for Saturday’s game. Khumalo will lead the Sables in place of the 33-year-old scrumhalf Mudariki, who has been named on the bench.

Dion Khumalo before last weekend's game against Zambia.

Veteran halfback Mudariki is replaced in the number 9 jersey by teenage sensation Gombe, who makes the starting line-up after he came off the bench to score a try on his debut against the Zambians last weekend.

Gombe, who left Zimbabwe with his family for South Africa when he was just two years old, is well known for his keen eye for the try-line and has represented the Western Province Under-18 side. He attended Wynberg Boys' High School in Cape Town, where he passed through the hands of Sables coach Piet Benade.

                              SABLES SQUAD

Starting: 1. Zvikomborero Chimoto 2. Bryan Chiang 3. Brian Makamure 4. David Makamba 5. Nyasha Shiripinda 6. Tadiwanashe Gwashu 7. Brian Nyaude 8. Aiden Burnett (vice-captain) 9. Tyrone Gombe 10. Lenience Tambwera 11. Darren Makwasha 12. Tapiwa Malenga 13. Dion Khumalo (captain) 14. Shingi Katsvere 15. Trevor Gurwe.

Tyrone Gombe playing for Western Province Under-18.

Substitutes: 16. Vuyiswa Mpofu 17. Wade Petzer* 18. Jeff Makoni 19. Takunda Kundishora 20. Vuyani Dhlomo 21. Tonderai Chiwambutsa 22. Hilton Mudariki 23. Kudzai Mashawi.