HARARE Sports Club is the place to be as Zimbabwe XV senior men’s and women’s rugby sides, the Sables, taken on their northern neighbours Zambia in international friendly games on Saturday night.

The Zimbabwe versus Zambia affair has three matches are on the menu with the A sides warming up the stage at 3pm before their senior women engage each other at 5pm. The main match features the senior men at 7pm.

While odds are highly in favour of the Zimbabwe senior men, the Sables, to overcome their Zambian counterparts, an interesting and historical battle will be in the women’s section.

This will be the first international home match for the Zimbabwe women, known as the Lady Sables, and their second international game following their 10-17 loss in Botswana last week.

The Lady Sables have been hard at work since their loss to Botswana and there is high optimism that the local ladies will rectify their mistakes and register a maiden international victory more so at home.

Zimbabwe women’s team manager Clareser Muhonde told Sportszone.co.zw that the Lady Sables are ready to rumble and craft their own piece of history.

“Our preparations are at an advanced stage we are trying our best. After playing Botswana we learn that Zambia is a bit tougher team.

“Being the first team ever in Zimbabwe our goal is to follow the footsteps of the Sevens team. We want to be the best in Africa, we want to be the best in Xv’s rugby in Africa. We expect to do exceptionally well against Zambia,” she said.

Lady Sables squad

Patience Marima, Patience Harubereki, Faith Mhungira, Precious Mikhazu, Peace Sithole, Debra Teterai, Rumbidzai Chigumbu, Tariroyashe Marufu, Sicelumusa Nyoni, Thubelihle Tshuma, Wadzanai Chidawa, Ilona Dzikiti, Delight Mukomondo, Rachel Tembo, Precious Marange.

Replacements: Mercy Nyakanda, Lovelight Fusion, Tatenda Chitewe, Lisa Kubuya, Lissy Wasairevu, Karen Muchabaiwa, Chelsea Mushoweshiri, Nicole Chigwedere, Gugulethu Dube.