Njovu Confident as Zambia Gears Up for Zambezi Rugby Showdown with Zimbabwe

The coach of Zambia’s rugby national team, Lawrence Njovu, is optimistic about his team’s prospects of defeating Zimbabwe in this weekend’s Zambezi Challenge.

At the Harare Sports Club on Sunday, the Copper Eagles and Sables will square off.

The technical bench has announced a 41-member squad for the Series tournament. The team has notable names such as captain Ali Bhika, Rodgers Mukupa, Lawrence Lesa, Chilufya Bwalya and Mphatson Mwashi.

Njovu claims that because of their recent performance, the Zambian rugby team has the potential to defeat the Zimbabwean team.

“Looking at the last two games we had last year, I think we have a lot of confidence because, for me, we had beaten them in the last game had it not been for the referees errors. We could have carried the day. Even our performance in Zimbabwe was surprising. Our boys put up a good fight, and the expectation this year is high. And I feel we can carry the day this time around,” Njovu said.

Njovu also disclosed that the team has combined experience and youth for the forthcoming game.

“Looking at the team, we have got a combination of experience and youths; we have about 11 youths coming into the team. So that combination gives us the confidence,” he said.

“Looking at the experience we have as well, we have a lot of experience. We have players who have been there for almost a decade. And we are the most capped team on the African continent. So we have that experience, and we have the capabilities to challenge them.”

Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Rugby Union announced a 40-man squad selected by Head Coach Pieter Benade for the Zambezi Series.

The Union reveals that this year’s series shines a spotlight on local talent, with all selected players based in Zimbabwe and primed to carry the torch for the national team in front of home crowds.

Zimbabwean Team Manager Takunda Chifokoyo stated, “Our locally based players have been working together, and some great combinations have formed. We are pretty excited about Zambia and Botswana.

“The Battle of the Zambezi won’t have a dull moment—this is our showcase to local fans, and we thrive off their support.”

The campaign kicks off on 4 May when Zimbabwe faces Zambia at Harare Sports Club, followed by a showdown against Botswana on 10 May in Harare.