ZIMBABWE Sables take on defending champions Namibia in the Rugby Africa Cup semifinals in Uganda with two things in mind, qualifying for the final as well as atoning for their last four defeat at the hands of the Welwitschias at last year’s competition staged in Aix-en-Provence, France.
The Sables held on to a 22-20 victory against the Cranes of Uganda in their quarterfinal clash at Namboole Stadium, Kampala, despite the hosts' late onslaught.
This was the Zimbabwe national rugby 15s side's first match of the ongoing tournament.
Having surged ahead in the first half with a commanding 22-00 lead courtesy of tries from Edward Sigauke, Tafadzwa Musingwini and Kudzai Mashawi, the Sables adopted a laid-back approach waiting for Uganda come at them. While the tactic eventually paid dividends, it caused anxiety among the Sables fans.
Sables head coach Piet Benade is daring to dream ahead of the clash against six-time champions Namibia tomorrow.
"Namibia's game will be a lot different to the Ugandans for their very skilled and physical approach, but against Namibia will be a game of set pieces and discipline," said Benade.
Skipper Hilton Mudariki stated that lessons were learnt from the hard-fought victory over Uganda and anticipates improved performance tomorrow.
"It's great to get this win. It takes us a step further and we know what we must fix in the next match," Mudariki said.
Last year, the Sables faced Namibia at a similar stage and suffered a 34-19 defeat, ending their hopes of reaching the Rugby World Cup. Namibia, on the other hand, went on to defeat Kenya 36-0 in a one-sided final, marking their seventh successive appearance at the Rugby World Cup.
The Welwitschias massacred Burkina Faso 71-5 at last year’s quarterfinal stage and 38-05 this time around.
Kenya, who defeated Senegal 36-17, meet Algeria in the other semifinal after they accounted for Cote d’Ivoire 32-12.