Sables coach Cyprian Mandenge is confident that his charges who are yet to pick a point in the Africa Cup 1A will get their first set of points this Saturday when they meet Uganda at the Police Grounds.

The national team has been in camp since Sunday and the former Harare Sports Club coach trimmed his enlarged squad to final 23.

Sables were humiliated by Kenya two weeks ago in the opening match of the Africa Cup group matches losing 61-15 but the coach believes they are well poised for a victory and pick their first set of points.

Mandenge has called a strengthened side which have been in camp since Sunday.

“In terms of our training session everything has been going according to plan. We have been training three times a day, now we have reduced it to two times.

“We are very confident based on what I have been seeing in training and I am more positive that we can do it,” said Mandenge.

The coach had the privilege of working with a strong pool of players as some of the foreign based players who were absent in the team’s previous tie against Kenya are in camp.

This has helped the mentor in assessing and coming up with the strong squad as Zimbabwe fight to remain in the elite Division 1A.

“Obviously with more guys, we have a wider pool and will improve the quality,” he said.

The coach who has dropped players such as said they always select the squad based on ability and commitment.

“You need to look at the system, are they able to work in the system also taking fitness and awareness into consideration as well,” said Mandenge.

Defending champions Namibia are leading the group with ten points, while Kenya have five following that victory against Zimbabwe. Uganda are on point with Zimbabwe on the basement without a point.

Zimbabwe will conclude the Africa Cup campaign with a match against Namibia early next month.

The Sables have been in camp since Sunday and preparations are progressing positively.  The Team is committed and determined and look forward to a successful performance on Saturday.

Sables Squad

Forwards: Lawrence Cleminson, Matthew Mandioma, Denford Mutamangira (capt), Fortunate Chipendu, Biselele Tshamala, Jacques Leitao, Constantine Dinha, Irvin Nduwa, Witness Mandizha, Sanele Sibanda, Pieter Joubert, Njabulo Ndlovu, Keith Murray.

Backs: Charles Jiji, Lenience Tambwera, Stephan Hunduza, Boyd Rouse, Gavin Nyawata, Lungile Tshuma, Tangai Nemadire, Gerald Sibanda, Hilton Mudariki, Ngoni Chibuwe.