Online Reporter
The Sables, Zimbabwe national men’s rugby team, left Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport ahead of their international tour of the United Arab Emirates and South Korea.
The Sables will compete against both the UAE and South Korea in a series of matches as they begin preparing for their Africa Cup title defense.
Sables’ captain Hilton Mudariki says the team is looking forward to the tour of the Middle East and Asia, which will help build toward the road to 2027 World Cup qualification.
“This is an amazing opportunity for us as The Sables to go on tour, play in different conditions, and build within our team. It will also give the coaches a chance to test squad depth as we prepare for next year” the Sables skipper said.
“Next year is a very important year for Zimbabwe, and now we are looking forward to the challenge. We know it’s going to be very difficult, as South Korea and the UAE are both quality teams also pushing for World Cup qualification. It’s a great test to go out there and play in their countries,” Mudariki added.
“It’s a great opportunity for us to face different opposition that we usually don’t come up against and to build on what we have achieved this year, hopefully finishing on a high.”
Mudariki alao took tome to thank the national team’s sponsors and urged all their supporters in the UAE and South Korea to attend matches and cheer them on.
The tour is expected to cement the Sables’ momentum after winning the Africa Cup earlier this year in Uganda.
“We are very fortunate to be able to get the boys back together, and this will be a brilliant life experience for everyone. The guys are able to go to Dubai and South Korea, which is a first for many, including myself,” Mudariki said.
“We are trying to broaden our squad and deepen our team as we face a very strong UAE team as well as South Korea. South Korea are Asia Cup giants, and we are looking forward to putting on a good show for them,” said Sables coach, Pieter Benade.
Upcoming Schedule:
* November 5: The Sables will face the UAE in Dubai at 7:30 PM local time.
* November 6: The team will depart for a training camp in Seoul, South Korea.
* November 16: Test match against South Korea.
* November 18: Departure from Seoul to their respective home bases in Zimbabwe.
