Langa challenges Sables FOR THE SABLES . . . Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Andrew Langa (second from right) poses for a picture with Zimbabwe Rugby Union president John Falkenberg (second from left), Sables captain Daniel Hondo (left) and vice-captain Jacques Leitao after meeting the rugby team at his offices in Harare yesterday
FOR THE SABLES . . . Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Andrew Langa (second from right) poses for a picture with Zimbabwe Rugby Union president John Falkenberg (second from left), Sables captain Daniel Hondo (left) and vice-captain Jacques Leitao after meeting the rugby team at his offices in Harare yesterday

FOR THE SABLES . . . Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Andrew Langa (second from right) poses for a picture with Zimbabwe Rugby Union president John Falkenberg (second from left), Sables captain Daniel Hondo (left) and vice-captain Jacques Leitao after meeting the rugby team at his offices in Harare yesterday

Paul Munyuki Sports Reporter
GOVERNMENT has dangled a carrot for the Sables — beat Russia in a 2015 Rugby World Cup play-off qualifier and you will definitely get support.
The Sables are expected to take on Russia in their first round World Cup qualifier play-off in the town of Krasnoyarsk, Siberia, next weekend.
They are scheduled to leave on Saturday.
Having struggled with funding for over two decades now, the Zimbabwe Rugby Union failed to adequately prepare for the Africa Cup that was also serving as the World Cup qualifier last month and came second in the four-team competition.

It meant they have to travel to Siberia for a one off-match against the hosts and if they win there, they will go on to play the winner of the match between Hong Kong and Uruguay at the end of September on a home-and-away basis.

However, Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Andrew Langa yesterday summoned the ZRU to his offices where he pledged Government support to the Sables on condition that they come back home with a win from Russia.

“The Zimbabwe rugby team is one team that has done well on the sporting scene. You are one association that has thrived to survive without using your own resources, you have found funding for yourselves and we commend you for that.

“Government, however, should play a role in supporting sport but it is unfortunate that the economic environment is not too good but as it improves we will support you more.

“I understand that you are going to play Russia soon and you have another match after that if you win I assure you that if you win against Russia I will do my level best to make sure that you are funded and you have resources.

“If it means meeting the President (of Zimbabwe), then I will have to do just that,” said Langa.
Langa said he was aware of what was happening in Zimbabwe Rugby and was proud of their recent performance in Madagascar that saw the Sables rising to their highest International Rugby Board world ranking ever.

“I am aware that you are number 27 in the world and third in Africa (after South Africa and Namibia) and I also need to congratulate you on that performance.
“I am happy to meet you before you go to Russia and I believe you will do the nation proud once again and I hereby wish you all the best in your games.

“You must go and win that game,” said Langa. ZRU president John Falkenberg, vice-president Colleen de Jong, director of rugby Liam Middleton, assistant coach Cyprian “Supa” Mandenge, Sables captain Daniel Hondo and Cheetahs captain Jacques Leitao, who is also the Sables vice-captain, attended the meeting.

There are a number of changes that have been made to the Sables travelling party after Njabulo Ndlovu and Schalk Ferreira were dropped due to injuries sustained in Madagascar.

The trio of prop Denford Mutamangira, and winger Tangai Nemadire and Gerald Sibanda have opted out of the squad. Eighth man Takunda Chifokoyo, winger Shayne Makombe, lock Fortunate Chipendu have been drafted in.

“Denford has opted not to travel and play in Russia due to his own personal reasons. We had a lengthy meeting with him yes, but he refused to disclose his reasons for not wanting to travel with the side and we respect his decision,” said Middleton.

Sables squad for Russia
Forwards: Pieter Joubert, Keith Murray, Kevin Nqindi, Jan Ferreira, Graeme Lawler, Jacques Leitao, Lambert Groenewald, Lawrence Cleminson, Sanele Sibanda, Matthew Mandioma, Farai Mudariki, Fortune Chipendu, Kingsley Lang, Takunda Chifokoyo.

Backs: Daniel Hondo (captain), Hilton Mudariki, Guy Cronje, Stephan Hunduza, Riaan O’Neill, Tafadzwa Chitokwindo, Peter Du Toit, Lenience Tambwera, Shayne Makombe, Danny Robertson.

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