Zimbabwe. . . . . . . . . . . . . (15) 15

Kenya. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (24) 61

ZIMBABWE got their elite 2016 Africa Cup Division 1A off to the worst possible start when they were battered by Kenya at Police Grounds yesterday.

Kenya scored an incredible 10 tries, one penalty and four conversions to avenge for the 28-20 defeat they suffered at the hands of the Sables last year.

Zimbabwe, who failed to score any points in the second half, managed two tries, a penalty goal and a conversion.

Coach Cyprian Mandenge hinted that it could have been worse because the players almost did not take to the field.

However, he could not be drawn into revealing the grievances raised by the players.

“The preps were no preps to talk about. Like I said, we had situation. I am glad the guys eventually took to the field, otherwise it could have been worse.

“It’s something that people are talking about so it would be out of order if I start talking about such things. I will just concentrate on the technical side of it.

“I think physically we were found wanting, everybody should do their bit, the supporters today did their bit and the players that took to the field also tried their best but we need to fix everything, everything around it,’’ said Mandenge.

Zimbabwe will have to quickly regroup as they take on Uganda at the same venue in a fortnight before they travel to Namibia for their last match of the Africa Cup next month.

They must beat Uganda because anything other than a win against the East Africans could spell trouble since their chances of winning in Namibia are slim.

Teams

Zimbabwe: Lawrence Cleminson, Royal, Denford Mutamangira (captain), Tapfuma Parirenyatwa, Fortunate Chipendu, Biselele Tshamala, Jacques Leitao, Constantine Dinha, Charles Jiji, Lenience Tambwera, Stephan Hunduza, Boyd Rouse, Gavin Nyahwata, Manasah Sita, Tangai Nemadire

Replacements: Tolerance Zishe, Irvine Nduwa, David Makanda, Lucky Sithole, Witness Mandidzha, Ernest Mudzengerere, Gerald Sibanda, Joshua Gando

Kenya: Moses Amusala, Samuel Warui, Curtis Licako, Eric Kerre, Simon Muniafu, Brian Nyikuli(captain), Michael Okombe,Tony Owour, Edwin Achayo, Isaac Adimo, Dennis Muhanji, Nick Barasa, David Ambuya, Darwin Mukinda, Tony Onyango,

Replacements: Peter Karia, James Kangethe, Joseph Kangethe, Dan Sikuta, Max Adaka, Kelvin Masai, Fabian Olando, Innocent Siminyu