Paul Munyuki Sports Reporter
FORMER champions Old Hararians might be a depleted lot when they take on Old Georgians in the Gold Cup qualifier tomorrow but the rugby champions are oozing with confidence ahead of their showdown at Police Grounds.

Despite falling to the Dragons two weeks ago, Old Boys coach Cyprian “Supa” Mandenge believes they are a side ready for the battle against the Dragons.

Mandenge will be away in France, injured fly-half Tichafara Makwanya, centres Cleopas Makotose (work) and Leeroy Mashiri (injury) and Courtney Mwatsiye have also been ruled out.

“We have to go there and worry about the things we can control. We are a big club and there is a big prize at stake and so we will have to do our best with what we have,” said Mandenge.

“Of course, we did not play well the last time we played them but there is a lot we can do better considering they scored 29 points against us.

“We have been working hard, the boys are a bit more confident and even their body language during the training sessions has changed.”

Mandenge will not be on the bench as he will be on his way to France for the final leg of his World Rugby Level Three certification together with Young Sables coach Bradon Brider and manager Shaun de Souza.

But Mandenge feels he has done enough work with the boys.

“We cannot control the refs, and we cannot control the opposition but we know how they play and we have been working on the positives we picked in Bulawayo and that semi-final win was important for us going into the final,” he said.

Makwaya was ruled out for six weeks due to injury.

He lasted less than 10 minutes into his side’s clash against Old Georgians two weeks ago.

“I can’t do much to help my side. I am not the only one who is out because Cleopas will not be part of the side due to work commitments and Mashiri and Mwatsiye are out injured,” said Makwanya.

“This leaves us with a lot of work to do because the youngsters will have to step up and it is also an opportunity for them to shine and show what they are capable of doing.

“We played a very scrappy game in Bulawayo but the important thing is that we came back with a number of lessons.”

The winner of tomorrow’s playoff final will represent Zimbabwe in South Africa’s Gold Cup competition this year.

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