Cyprian Mandenge
Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE started off their campaign in the Regal Hotels Cup of Nations, a fifteens rugby tournament, on a losing note when they narrowly fell 19-15 to Russia at King Park Stadium in Hong Kong yesterday.
The Sables put up a courageous second half display, which saw them score nine points without conceding.
Russia led 19-6 heading into the halftime break, with Zimbabwe’s points coming off the boot of number 10 Lenience Tambwera, who slotted in two penalty goals.
Zimbabwe put up a much better show in the second half and were unfortunate to lose by just four points to the Russians. Crucially, the Sables picked up a bonus point for losing by four points.
Sables coach Cyprian Mandenge was impressed with the way his side played and believes they were unfortunate to come out second best against the Russians.
Mandenge has so much belief in his team that he is convinced they can actually go on to win the tournament if they win their next two assignments against Hong Kong and Papua New Guinea.
“Bad result in that we lost by 15 points to 19, but generally I am pleased with the way the guys played.
“At halftime we went trailing by six points to 19 and we restricted them from scoring.
“There are a lot of positives from the game, but there are negatives, we need to look at the video and see where we need to improve, look at the positives, look at the negatives, we want to just eliminate the negatives and build on the positives.
“There is a lot of belief in this very young team. The guys fought to the last whistle,” said Mandenge.
“I actually think we were a bit unfortunate to lose this game.
“We came out guns blazing, but unfortunately we lost. I believe in the team, I think they can go all the way and even win this tournament.
“The good thing is we got a bonus point and restricted them from getting a bonus point.
“Hopefully we can win our next two games with bonus points.
“They’re not easy games, but because we’ve got quality I still believe we can go on and actually win this. I am happy with the boys,” he said.
Zimbabwe’s next opponents are Hong Kong on Tuesday before they round off their participation with a game against Papua New Guinea on Saturday — @Mdawini_29.