Zimbabwe might have been booted out of the Africa Cup Group 1A, but Sables captain Denford Mutamangira says the rugby side will not take Namibia lightly when the two sides clash on Saturday in Windhoek.

Two consecutive home defeats at the hands of Kenya and Uganda over the last month saw the Sables being relegated to the less prestigious Group 1B and this, for coach Cyprian “Supa” Mandenge was an opportunity to prepare for the future.

The last time the two sides met, Zimbabwe suffered an 80-6 loss, with Sables’ points coming off two Lenience Tambwera penalties to mark their heaviest defeat to Welwitschias.

“I would not say we are throwing them in the deep-end. We need this if Zimbabwe’s rugby is to come back to it’s status as a powerhouse,” said Mutamangira.

Zimbabwe’s squad to Namibia has an average age of 26 years, their youngest side in more the five years with Constantine “Costa” Dinha being the oldest at 38 years of age.

On the other hand, Namibia have two comprehensive opening victories against Uganda and Kenya at home and away and will most likely give Zimbabwe a difficult time.

The winner of Division 1A – the highest-rated group – will be crowned Africa Cup champion.