Former champions Old Hararians might be depleted when they take on Old Georgians in the Gold Cup qualifier on Saturday, but the rugby champions are feeling confident ahead of the decider at Police Grounds.

Despite falling to the Dragons two weeks ago, Old Boys coach Cyprian “Supa” Mandenge believes they are a changed side as they have learnt a number of lessons both from the Dragons and from last weekend’s win over Matabeleland Warriors in Bulawayo.

Old Hararians will be missing the services of Mandenge who will be leaving for France, injured fly-half Tichafara Makwanya, centres Cleopas Makotose (work) and Leeroy Mashiri (injury) while Courtney Mwatsiye has also been ruled out injured.

“We have to go there and worry about the things we can control. We are a big club and there is a big prize at state so we will have to do our best with what we have. Of Course we did not play well the last time we played them but there is a lot we can do better considering they scored 29 points against us.

“We have been working hard, the boys are a bit more confident and even their body language during the training sessions has changed,” said the Sables coach.

However, Mandenge will not be on the bench when his charges battle for the Gold Cup ticket on Saturday as he will be on his way to France for the final leg of his World Rugby Level Three certification together with Young Sables coach Bradon Brider and manager Shaun de Souza.

But Mandenge feels he has done enough work with the boys.

“We cannot control the refs, and we cannot control the opposition but we know how they play and we have been working on the positives we picked in Bulawayo and that semi-final win was important for us going into the final,” added the former University of Zimbabwe coach.