LOOSE forwards Njabulo Ndlovu, Jacques Leitao and Andrew Rose have made a return to the Zimbabwe national rugby team as the Sables prepare to tackle the Namibian Welwitschias at the Hage Geingob Rugby Stadium in Windhoek on Saturday in a Rugby Africa Gold Cup match.

The Sables left Harare for Windhoek on Wednesday afternoon which gives the Denford Mutamangira captained side enough time to prepare for the challenge posed by the Namibians.

Ndlovu, Leitao and Rose, who missed the 28-18 victory over Senegal in Dakar should form a formidable loose trio on Saturday. Also added to the squad are prop David Makanda, centres Gavin Nyawata and Daniel Capsopolous. Those who went to Senegal but are not part of the trip to Namibia are Biselele Tshamala, Witness Mandizha, Tarisai Mugariri, Osborne Muhambi, Tinashe Gwisai and Lenience Tambwera.

Zimbabwe started off their campaign with a hard fought victory over Senegal but will certainly not have it easy against Namibia. In 2016, the Cyprian Mandenge coached Sables lost 60-22 to Namibia in Windhoek, having been drubbed 80-6 by the same opponents away in 2015.

The Sables are fourth in the six team log, above Senegal and Tunisia. In order to stand a chance of qualifying for the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, Zimbabwe have to be part of the Gold Cup next year.

Zimbabwe Sables squad to play against Namibia

Denford Mutamangira, Lawrence Cleminson, Irvine Nduwa, David Makanda, Tolerence Zishe, Graham Cochrane, Brian Nyaude, Jacques Leitao, Fortunate Chipendu, Takudzwa Mandiwanza, Connor Pritchard, Andrew Rose, Njabulo Ndlovu, Hilton Mudariki, Tichafara Makwanya, Stephan Hunduza, Takudzwa Kumadiro, Gavin Nyawata, Daniel Capsopolous, Ngoni Chibuwe , Scotty Jones, Tadius Dzandiwandira

Coach: Cyprian Mandenge

Team manager: Sam Samu                                                                                                                                                          

Physiotherapist: Abigail Mnikwa

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