Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub THE Sables stand on the brink of history. After more than three decades of heartbreak, mostly at the hands of their old rivals Namibia, Zimbabwe’s national rugby team is one match away from qualifying for the Rugby World Cup. This Saturday, they face the Welwitschias again, with a single ticket to the global stage on the line. It’s a rematch charged with emotion and expectation. Just last year, Zimbabwe stunned Namibia with a 32–10 win, ending a 23-year losing streak and going on to lift the Africa Cup for the first time in 12 years. That victory rekindled belief. Now, it’s no longer just a dream. It’s within reach. Former Sables eighthman Silethokuhle “Slater” Ndlovu, who’s walked this road before, knows exactly what’s at stake. “There’s too much pressure,” Ndlovu said. “The World Cup is the highest level of rugby. Everyone wants to go there. It would be great for Zimbabwe to qualify and break this jinx, it’s been so long. The period we’ve waited could be someone’s entire lifetime.” Ndlovu was part of the squad that narrowly missed out on the 2003 World Cup, losing to Namibia after an otherwise perfect qualifying run. That sting still lingers. “We beat everyone and lost to Namibia. It still hurts,” he admitted. “But this time, I’m optimistic. It’s a game of rugby, anything can happen, but the boys have a better chance now. They play good rugby.” There’s added belief that neutral ground will help level the playing field. Saturday’s battle will unfold at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Kampala, Uganda, neither team’s home turf. “Playing on neutral soil helps. No one is home,” Ndlovu said. “The boys need to stay focused and claim this. I believe they will.” Ndlovu emphasised the importance of composure under pressure. “This will change the face of rugby in Zimbabwe. The best way to approach it is to stay calm. Experience matters, experienced players know how to handle high stress situations and follow the game plan,” he said. “Namibia will come hard. They love physical rugby. I played against them several times, you can’t defend forever. Someone’s going to give in or get hurt. But patience and teamwork will get us through.” He believes a World Cup berth would transform the sport locally. “Once we qualify, everyone will want to be part of it. Sponsors will return, crowds will come back. It’ll be real competition again. I’ve played Namibia at their best, they’re not the same now. Zimbabwe is playing better rugby. If the boys keep it together, they’ll win.” But winning, he stressed, takes more than skill, it takes resolve. “It needs men who are serious. People put their bodies on the line for this. I’ve been on that stage, I know the pressure. We’re on the verge of history. Thirty four years is a long time. But once we make it, rugby in Zimbabwe will never be the same.” Ndlovu also voiced his support for Sables head coach Pieter Benade. “They have a good chance with Pieter. He was a great player, he could read the game, he’s tactically sharp. I trust him,” said Ndlovu. “This has to happen. It’s not about money, it’s about pride. That’s where the biggest opportunities come from.” And even if winning the World Cup isn’t realistic, qualifying still matters deeply. “We know we won’t win the tournament. But we want to make a name, leave a mark. We want to go and do our people proud. This time, I can feel it. This will open doors for the guys. We’ll earn respect.” Zimbabweans, long starved of rugby glory on the world stage, are starting to believe again. There’s a quiet confidence brewing, not from arrogance, but from the hard earned lessons of the past. The stage is set. The task is daunting. But the opportunity? Immense. Go well, gentlemen. You carry the hopes of a nation. Sables Starting XV Victor Mupunga, Simba Mandioma, Cleopas Kundiona, Godfrey Muzanargwo, Simba Siraha, Tinotenda Mavesere, Dylan Utete, Jason Fraser, Hilton Mudariki (captain), Ian Prior, Edward Sigauke, Kudzai Mashawi, Brandon Mudzekenyedzi, Matthew McNab, Tapiwa Mafura. Impact Players Liam Larkan, Tyran Fagan, Bornwell Gwinji, Aiden Burnett, Tadiwa Gwashu, Keegan Joubert, Dion Khumalo, Bruce Houston.