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Paul Munyuki Sports Reporter
SABLES coach Cyprian “Supa” Mandenge says his charges are ready for Tunisia in their second game of the Rugby Africa Cup despite the injuries that have rocked their camp all week.

Zimbabwe take on winless Tunisia at Prince Edward School tomorrow, hoping to maintain their winning run in the competition and keep alive their chances of winning the competition ahead of the final game against Namibia next month.

Tunisia arrived in the country on Tuesday, two days after suffering their second defeat in as many games, first falling to Namibia (14-22) and losing (15-46) to Kenya on Sunday.

“We are ready for them (Tunisia); we can take them any day, any time. We do not care how much time they spend preparing in Zimbabwe because we are not worried about them,” said Mandenge.

“All it takes is for the boys (Sables) applying themselves on the day, we have a game plan they just need to follow. I believe in my boys because they have a good work ethic and the senior players have contributed a lot, while the juniors complete a good team to work with.

“They (Tunisia) will go down fighting, they have lost twice in this competition and would not want to get relegated to Group 1B and put them out of the Africa Cup competition next year. So, we still have to be at our best.”

Centre Takudzwa Chieza suffered a knee injury that has ruled him out of the Tunisia tie.

“Of course, I was devastated, but that does not mean that’s the end of the road. We still do have alternatives because most of our backliners can play at least two positions,” said Mandenge.

“But I hope the injury is not so serious, I pray he will be able to play against Namibia.”

The Durban-based centre was just starting rehabilitation of the same knee, having suffered a similar injury during a club game in South Africa two months ago.

“I had been advised by the doctor two months ago to rest for eight weeks and I am just supposed to have started my rehabilitation programme to slowly get back to playing the game,” said Chieza.

“I was feeling good and at times being a bit cautious, but it’s all part of the game. I might have to wait a little longer to make my Sables debut.”

Mandenge feels the Sables might just have been robbed of the depth they were looking for.

Tangai Nemadire, who played fullback against Kenya, can also play wing and centre, while centre Cleopas Makotose is comfortable at fullback. The same goes for Gardner Nechironga, who plays wing and is equally comfortable at any of the three quarter positions.

Sables squad:

Forwards: Denford Mutamangira (captain), Kevin Nqindi, Farai Mudariki, Tatenda Murwira, Lawrence Clemenson, Royal Mwale, Biselele Tshamala, Andrew Rose, Fortune Chipendu, Jacques Leitao, Njabulo Ndlovu, Nico Nyemba, Norman Mukondiwa.

Backs: Charles Jiji, Hilton Mudariki, Tichafara Makwanya (vice captain), Lenience Tambwera, Boyd Rouse, Stephen Hunduza, Tafadzwa Chitokwindo, Tangai Nemadire, Cleopas Makotose, Gardner Nechironga.