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Paul Munyuki and Grace Chingoma
ZIMBABWE’S Sables face bogey side Uganda in a must win Africa Cup encounter at the Police Grounds this afternoon with the hosts needing to defy statistics.

Hosts captain Denford Mutamangira insists they are ready to put behind their forgettable show at the same venue last weekend.

“We have been very positive compared to the previous game. Of course we had issues, but that is work in progress and we as players have a reputation to protect, we have a brand to protect which is the Sables.

“We are very aware that we must win and this is where the positive energy is coming from. We do not know what is in Group 1B and we don’t want to go there so we have to win this game at all costs” said the prop.

But Zimbabwe find themselves in a similar position to what they were exactly six years ago when they lost 24-15 to Uganda in the 2010 Victoria Cup tournament after a 11-10 loss at the hands of Kenya, to finish bottom of the competition. This afternoon the Sables find themselves in the same situation having lost to Kenya a fortnight ago and looking at getting a win over the East Africans.

Coach Cyprian “Supa” Mandenge was assistant to Brandon Dawson then and only three players survive from the class of 2010. These are forwards Fortune Chipendu, Jacques Leitao and Njabulo Ndlovu who travelled as a substitute.

A defeat or draw to Uganda today would mean the Sables finish bottom of Group 1A, but worse of all they will be relegated to the less prestigious Group 1B which does not compete for the Africa Cup title.

“I do not see the same thing happening tomorrow (today). This year we lost to Kenya because we had problems (financial and player apathy) in camp, but it’s a different story now.

“I have been involved in the Sables as an assistant coach and now as head coach (but) I have never been in such an environment, great environment like we are in now, everyone is positive and we are ready to go,” said Mandenge.

Given the relatively bigger frames of the Ugandans, Mandenge has chosen to go with a more mobile back-line whose pack is held together by the core of the Zimbabwe Cheetahs squad and this prepares for a running game.

The loose trio of Ndlovu, Leitao and Biselele Tshamala will be linked to the back-line by the Cheetahs half-backs Hilton Mudariki at nine and fly-half Lenience Tambwera while centre Boyd Rouse and winger Stephan Hunduza complete the Sevens influence in the Sables.

“That is how I have always loved to play. I have got a balanced side, I am happy with everyone who is in the side. Of course I couldn’t get one or two guys, some injured some couldn’t be released by their clubs. But I am happy with what I have at my disposal,” added the former Harare Sports Club coach.

Despite losing their opener Uganda are coming from giving Namibia a tough time that has given the Cranes the belief that they have what it takes for them to come out of Zimbabwe with a win.

That 40-31 defeat to Namibia is the reason Uganda have vowed to give Zimbabwe a tough time and their South African-born coach John Duncan feels they will remain in the top flight group.

“Zimbabwe, are a proud rugby playing nation and we are expecting a big clash tomorrow (Saturday).

“We have a young team of an average age of 23 /24 years, the boys played well against Namibia, our opponents were confident after what Kenya did to us (in the Elgon Cup). We are fortunate to have had three weeks from our first game (against Namibia) and we have put in a lot of effort. But it does not matter how much, you have to put it together on the pitch on match day,” said Duncan.

Uganda captain Brian Odongo knows of the high expectations back home, but he says the attitude in camp will bring the result for the East Africans.

“We are a very comfortable and confident about what we have as a team, the players are fine we had a good night’s sleep, but I can never ask for anything better in regards to the mood in the camp. The unity is up there and we the players are ready and willing to play our hearts out.”

Sables Starting XV

1-8: Denford Mutamangira (capt), Keith Murray, Pieter Joubert, Constantine Dinha, Sanele Sibanda,

Biselele Tshamala, Jacques Leitao, Njabulo Ndlovu.

9-15: Tangai Nemadire, Lungile Tshuma, Gavin Nyawata, Boyd Rouse, Stephan Hunduza, Lenience Tambwera, Hilton Mudariki.

Substitutes: Matthew Mandioma, Irvin Nduwa, Lawrence Cleminson, Fortunate Chipendu, Witness Mandizha, Charles Jiji, Gerald Sibanda, Ngoni Chibuwe.

Uganda Squad

Forwards: Brian Odongo (captain) Syrus Wathum, Asuman Mugerwa, Chris Kimbowa Arthur Mpande, Pius Ogena, Marvin Odongo, Elijah Ssegawa, Charles Uhuru, John William Wandicho, Brian Asaba, Byron Oketayot

Backs: Davis Kyewalabye, Chris Lubanga, Ivan Magomu, Robert Masendi, James Odongo, Lawrence Ssebuliba, Eric Kasiita, Oscar Kalyango, Michael Wokorach (vice-captain), Joseph Aredo, Philip Wokorach