Defending champions Zimbabwe Sables have officially named their starting XV for the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup quarterfinal clash against tournament debutants Morocco.
The match kicks off at 10:00 a.m. EAT on Tuesday, July 8, at the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, in Kampala, Uganda.
The Sables will begin their title defense with a talented and experienced squad, led by captain Hilton Mudariki, as they aim to return to the Rugby World Cup for the first time in 34 years.
Zimbabwe Sables Squad
Zimbabwe’s front row features Victor Mpunga, Simba Mandiona, and Cleopas Kundiona. Kudakwashe Nyakufaringwa and Simba Siraha start as the Locks.
Tinotenda Mavesere is at Blindside Flanker, Godfrey Muzanargwo at Openside Flanker, and Jason Fraser is the Number 8.
Captain Hilton Mudariki is the Scrum-half combining with Ian Prior at fly-half. The midfield is anchored by Kudzai Mashawi at inside Centre and Brandon Mudzekenyedzi on the outside.
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The left wing is occupied by Edward Sigauke with Trevor Gurwe being on the right wing and the Tapiwa Mafura is the fullback.
The Sables, champions in 2024, are back at Namboole—the venue where several of their key players, including Mafura, Sigauke, and Takudzwa Musingwini, shone in last year’s campaign
A semifinal berth would set up a heavyweight clash against the winner of the Kenya Simbas vs. Uganda Cranes quarterfinal, making this opening game all the more critical.
Zimbabwe Sables Squad to Face Morocco
Victor Mpunga, Simba Mandiona, Cleopas Kundiona, Kudakwashe Nyakufaringwa, Simba Siraha, Tinotenda Mavesere, Godfrey Muzanargwo, Jason Fraser, Hilton Mudariki (C), Ian Prior, Brandon Mudzekenyedzi, Kudzai Mashawi, Edward Sigauke, Trevor Gurwe, Tapiwa Mafura
Impact: Liam Larkan, Tynan Fagan, Bornwell Gwinji, Aiden Burnett, Dylan Utete, Keegan Joubert, Dion Khumalo, Takudzwa Musingwini
Technical Team: Piet Benade – Head Coach, Ricky Chirenje – Assistant Coach, Gert Smal – Consultant, Senna Esterhuizen – Defence Coach, Joel Ozier – Forwards & Scrum Coach, Defore Mtumamiro – Scrum Coach, Ghafoer Luckan – Backs Coach, TJ Chifokoyo – General Manager, Tichaona Makwanya – Team Manager, Tapuma Parirenyatwa – Team Doctor, Shumirai A Terefi – Physio, Alice Becker – Physio, Antoine Plasman – Team Analyst
