Zimbabwe Sables have named a largely unchanged squad for their high-stakes Rugby Africa Cup semi-final showdown against Kenya Simbas, set for Sunday at Nelson Mandela Stadium in Kampala.
Head Coach Piet Benade has kept faith with the starting XV that impressed in their previous outing, making just one change to the backline. Matthew McNab steps in on the wing in place of Trevor Gurwe, while the rest of the back division remains untouched.
Notably, the Sables have bolstered their bench with the inclusion of Cornish Pirates fly-half Bruce Houston. Making his first appearance in the Zimbabwean setup, Houston is expected to bring strategic kicking and experience off the bench in a match likely to go down to the wire.
The front row trio of Victor Mpunga, Simba Mandioma, and Cleopas Kundiona will again anchor the scrum. The locks—Kudakwashe Nyakufaringwa and Simba Siraha—keep their spots, as do the back rowers Tinotenda Mavesere, Godfrey Muzanargwo, and Jason Fraser, forming a cohesive and physical forward unit.
Captain Hilton Mudariki continues to steer the ship from scrum-half, pairing with Australia-based Ian Prior at fly-half. The centre pairing of Kudzai Mashawi and Brandon Mudzekenyedzi offers a blend of stability and punch, while the back three of Edward Sigauke, McNab, and fullback Tapiwa Mafura round out the starting XV.
In addition to Houston, the Sables’ bench features depth in both forwards and backs, with impact players like Liam Larkan, Tyran Fagan, Aiden Burnett, and Keegan Joubert ready to influence the match late on.
Zimbabwe, the defending champions, are eyeing back-to-back titles and a ticket to the final, but they’ll need to overcome a resurgent Simbas side determined to restore Kenyan rugby’s continental standing.
Zimbabwe Sables starting XV vs Kenya Simbas:
- Victor Mpunga
- Simba Mandioma
- Cleopas Kundiona
- Kudakwashe Nyakufaringwa
- Simba Siraha
- Tinotenda Mavesere
- Godfrey Muzanargwo
- Jason Fraser
- Hilton Mudariki (C)
- Ian Prior
- Edward Sigauke
- Kudzai Mashawi
- Brandon Mudzekenyedzi
- Matthew McNab
- Tapiwa Mafura
Bench: Liam Larkan, Tyran Fagan, Bornwell Gwinji, Aiden Burnett, Dylan Utete, Keegan Joubert, Dion Khumalo, Bruce Houston.
