THE Sables are on the brink a fairytale end to their Rugby Africa Cup campaign with only Algeria standing between them and continental glory as the two nations square off in Sunday’s final set for the Mandela Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.
Zimbabwe men’s national 15s rugby side ended a 22-year barren spell against the six-time champions Namibia in the semifinal match played at the same stadium on Wednesday.
Zimbabwe on Wednesday despatched the Welwitschias 32-10, with the underdogs playing probably their best game in years to book a final date.
Sables head coach Piet Benade has brought about a lot of belief in the side, as well as a fair balance of youth and experience which dares to dream.
He paid tribute to the players for their hard work and dedication.
Benade said that they had made a significant steps towards the main goal of qualifying to the next World Cup.
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“It was a truly collective effort. Namibia presented a formidable challenge, but our players executed the game plan to perfection. This victory is a testament to their hard work and dedication,” he said.
“This is a significant step towards our ultimate goal of qualifying for the Rugby World Cup. Algeria will be a different test and we must approach the final with the same focus and intensity.”
Captain Hilton Mudariki said the players were in the hands of a good and experienced coaching staff, which has helped them improve their game.
“Everyone wants to play in the final and we are truly blessed to be in it. I think it just came down to the belief and hard work,” Mudariki said.
“We have got quality coaching stuff, an excellent coaching group that brings in a lot of experience and calmness in the guys.”
Against Namibia, Zimbabwe were relentless in their attack, finding tries with relative ease towards the tailend of the encounter when most people were expecting a late surge from the defending champions.
The Sables kept on the attack until the last whistle, refusing to entertain the thought that the game was already won.
Namibia saved themselves from the embarrassment of losing to underdogs Zimbabwe without scoring a try, getting their one and only passage in the 66th minute through late substitute Denzel Brewer.
Zimbabwe full back Tapiwa Mafura was a constant menace and a thorn in the Namibians’ side and was duly named player of the match.
The Sables will be hoping that the explosive Mafura can continue on the same vein of form.
Algeria showed they will be a real threat after their clinical show against Kenya.
The north Africans ran out 20-12 winners in their semi-final clash in what was another upset.