ZIMBABWE Sables coach Brandon Dawson has rung changes for the second encounter against Burkina Faso scheduled for set to be played behind closed doors at Old Georgian Sports Club on Thursday afternoon (tomorrow).
With qualification for the second round of the World Cup Qualifiers certain, the gaffer has opted to rotate his squad and give some players a second look.
Dawson has named almost a new backline, with left-wing Matthew Mcnab and utility back Brandon Mudzekenyedzi being the only survivors in that division from Sunday’s clash.
Scrum-half Hilton Mudariki will not be in action while fullback Brendon Mandivenga has been given the captaincy duties. Mandivenga is no stranger to the role as he captained the Sables in the 2019 Victoria Cup.
If Burkina Faso do not front up in defence, the likes of Mandivenga could have a field day as he is one intelligent player and likes to join the line a lot with his dazzling runs.
While Riaan O’ Neill has been reinstated in the number 10 jersey and will partner with Dudley White-Sharpley at halfback in what is poised to be an exciting pairing.
In midfield, hard running centre Takudzwa Chieza will operate alongside French-based utility back Shayne Makombe. If the two can click, it will likely be another long afternoon for the West Africans.
Upfront, the significant changes are in the loose trio where Sebastian Roche and Biselele Tshamala have been relegated to the bench, with Blithe Mavesere missing out altogether.
Adien Burnett, Godfrey Muzanarwo and Tonderai Chiwambutsa will fill in for the trio.
Judging by the score from the first encounter, the likelihood of an upset are close to none, and instead, it is a case of how much will Zimbabwe win.
