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Ray Bande Mutare Bureau
SABLES star Ngoni “Stone” Chibuwe believes the Rugby Africa Gold Cup clash against Kenya’s Simbas at Hartsfield in Bulawayo tomorrow is a chance for the hosts to make up for the heartbreak of last weekend’s defeat at the hands of Namibia’s Welwitschias.

Zimbabwe let go a seemingly healthy lead in the match against Namibia last Saturday at the Hage Geingob Stadium in Windhoek, Namibia.

From a 16-point first half lead, the Sables crashed to a 26-31 defeat to the Namibians, though there was controversy over the winning try.

It’s a defeat the former Mutare Boys High School student said was very painful. The match against Kenya will not be a stroll in the park for the Sables given the 61-15 defeat at the hands of the same team in Harare last year.

However, 22-year-old Chibuwe, who now has eight caps, is confident that they will get a good result against the Kenyans.

“I feel the match against Kenya is a chance to redeem lost pride after that defeat against Namibia. I think we can win that match against Kenya. “I really enjoyed starting the match against Namibia and I feel I had a good run as we took the lead 23-7 in the first half.

“I cramped around the 60th minute and came off. “I really wanted to play though, but could not do much in that state.

“It was really a disheartening loss though as we felt we were so close to winning, but I am sure we will get it right against Kenya and in the remaining matches. “The morale in the camp is high this week has been high ahead of the match against Kenya,” said Chibuwe.

Kenya are ranked 26th on the world rugby rankings. The Simbas are currently number two on the Rugby Africa Gold Cup log with 12-points in three matches while the Sables dropped into fourth place last Saturday with six-points in two matches.

The Zimbabweans have a game in hand. Namibia are undefeated on top of the log with 15 points in three matches, Uganda are third with 11 points.

While the Sables will be hosting the Simbas, the Welwitschias will be travelling to Uganda to face the Cranes. The Sables will also host Tunisia next Saturday in Harare and travel to Uganda for their last match on August 5.

Apart from the Gold Cup being the African title fight, the top-tier tournament also serves as the 2019 Rugby World Cup qualifiers.

The winner gets the second slot for Africa at the world rugby showcase.

South Africa qualify automatically for the World Cup.