The Sunday News
NAMIBIA were yesterday crowned the Africa Cup rugby champions for the second year running when they demolished Zimbabwe 80-6 in the deciding match staged at the Hage Geingob Stadium in Windhoek yesterday.
In what was one of the most embarrassing defeats for the Cyprian Mandenge-coached Sables in recent years, Zimbabwe only managed two penalty goals throughout the 80 minutes.
Namibia, gearing up for next month’s Rugby World Cup in England led Zimbabwe 28-6 going into half-time with four converted tries and added a further 54 points in the second half. The win saw Namibia finish on top of the elite four-team Africa Cup Division 1A with nine points while Zimbabwe claimed second spot on six, Kenya finished third with three while Tunisia, relegated to Division 1B ended at the bottom of the log without picking up any points.
Focus will quickly shift to Zimbabwe’s preparations for this crucial encounter which saw the Sables not having a formal camp, most of the key players not available and leaving for Namibia a day before the match which is not an ideal way to prepare for opposition such as the well oiled Namibians.
Just last year, Zimbabwe then under the guidance of Brendan Dawson lost 24-20 to Namibia during the Africa Cup in Madagascar which served as qualifier for this year’s Rugby World Cup.
Namibia went on to finish top on points difference and secured the automatic African slot at the global showpiece while Zimbabwe took second spot, went on to lose to Russia in an inter-confederation play-off.
