Zimbabwe Sables have revealed their 23-man squad to face Namibia in the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup final set for Saturday, July 19, at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda from 4:00 PM EAT. The winner of this high-stakes clash will not only be crowned continental champions but also book a direct ticket to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
Zimbabwe Sables Squad
Head coach Piet Benade’s led squad has Victor Mupunga, Simba Mandioma, and Cleopas Kundiona in the the front row with Godfrey Muzanargwo and Simba Siraha set to start as the locks. The back row features Tinotenda Mavesere at blindside flanker, Dylan Utete at openside, and Jason Fraser at number eight. Captain Hilton Mudariki will direct play from scrum-half, pairing with Ian Prior at fly-half. The midfield sees the partnership of Kudzai Mashawi at inside centre and Brandon Mudzekenyedzi at outside centre. EDITOR’S PICKS:
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On the wings are Edward Sigauke and Matthew McNab while at fullback is Tapiwa Mafura. Zimbabwe’s path to the final began with a commanding 43-8 victory over Morocco, followed by a tense semifinal battle against Kenya, which the Sables edged 29-23 to set up this blockbuster encounter. Namibia, on their part, overcame Algeria in the semifinal and remain unbeaten heading into the final.
Zimbabwe Sables – Match Day 23 vs Namibia (2025 Rugby Africa Cup Final)
Starting XV: 1. Victor Mupunga 2. Simba Mandioma 3. Cleopas Kundiona 4. Godfrey Muzanargwo 5. Simba Siraha 6. Tinotenda Mavesere 7. Dylan Utete 8. Jason Fraser 9. Hilton Mudariki (C) 10. Ian Prior 11. Edward Sigauke 12. Brandon Mudzekenyedzi 13. Kudzai Mashawi 14. Matthew McNab 15.Tapiwa Mafura Replacements: 16. Liam Larkan 17. Tyran Fagan 18. Bornwell Gwinji 19. Tadiwa Gwashu 20. Aiden Burnett 21. Keegan Joubert 22. Dion Khumalo 23. Bruce Houston *(Debut)
