AFRICA CUP 1C

21.06.2015
Zambia 15, Nigeria 8 in Lusaka (Africa Cup, 1C)

24.06.2015
Nigeria 34, Zimbabwe ‘A’ 24 in Lusaka (Africa Cup 1C)

27.06.2015
Zambia 19, Zimbabwe ‘A’ 12 in Lusaka (Africa Cup 1C)

Briefly
Zambia won the Africa Cup 1C tournament and will play in 1B in 2016. The Cameroun were the team that pulled out, being replaced by a disappointing Zimbabwe ‘A’ side. To be fair the ‘A’ side had to be hastily assembled.

AFRICA CUP 2015

CAR has rebranded itself as Rugby Africa.

AFRICA CUP 2015

Africa Cup 1A

13.06.2015: Namibia v Tunisia in Tunis
13.06.2015: Kenya v Zimbabwe in Harare
28.06.2015: Tunisia v Kenya in Nairobi
04.07.2015: Tunisia v Zimbabwe in Harare
11.07.2015: Kenya v Namibia in Windhoek
18.07.2015: Zimbabwe v Namibia in Windhoek (was 06.06)

Africa Cup 1B
July 3-11. Venue: Kampala, Uganda. Teams-Madagascar, Ivory Coast, Senegal, Uganda, Mauritius, Botswana

Africa Cup 1C
June 22-27. Venue: Lusaka, Zambia. Teams-Zambia, Nigeria, Cameroun, Morocco

Africa Cup 2 North
May 23-31. Venue: Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Teams-Togo, Benin, Ghana, Mali, Burkino Faso, Niger

Africa Cup 2 South
May 25-30. Venue: Kinshasa, RDC. Teams-Rwanda, Burundi, Congo Kinshasa, Congo Brazzaville

Adapted from http://www.rugbyafrique.com/calendrier-2/

www.rugbyinternational.net

WORLD CUP QUALIFYING: Africa

28.07.2012
Ivory Coast 24, Zambia 18 in Gaborone (WCQ Africa; CAR Division 1C)
Botswana 25, Mauritius 14 in Gaborone (WCQ Africa; CAR Division 1C)

25.07.2012
Ivory Coast 29, Nigeria 17 in Gaborone (WCA Africa; CAR Division 1C)

CAR RUGBY: Division 1C

The relegation 3rd-4th place playoff in this division will be between Zambia and Botswana. Botswana lost 12-30 to Senegal Wednesday, whilst Zambia just lost 10-12 to hosts Cameroun. On those results Zambia would be favoured to push Botswana down to CAR Division 1D for 2012.

25.06.2011
Botswana v Zambia in Younde (CAR Div.1C, Playoff 3rd-4th)

Previous Encounters
03.07.2010 Zambia 27-14 in Bulawayo (Africa Cup, Pool C; Playoff 3rd-4th)
20.07.2009 Botswana 16-10 in Gaborone (CAR Development Trophy; South)
09.04.2005 Zambia 28-24 in Lusaka (WCQ Africa Rnd 1A, South)
07.08.2002 Botswana 32-19 in Gaborone (CAR, South 2)
27.07.2002 Zambia 37-17 in Lusaka (Friendly)

The history of test rugby matches between these two nations certainly see-saw, with neither side dominating over the last ten years.

GWC Rugby Rankings
Africa Table-Zambia 11th, Botswana 12th

IRB Ranking Points
Zambia 39.97, Botswana 38.17

Prediction: Zambia by 8 points.

Teams

Zambia (Squad that played v Cameroun)

Nigel Chibwe, Evans Simpemba, Kelvin Kampandu, Edward Mumba, Daniel Sakala, Ephraim Musukwa, Alex Mwila (All Arrows), Danny Kabila ( Buffaloes), Thadius Chipoya, Tom Chaloba (Both Green Eagles).

Ali Bika, Musonda Chileshe, Chancy Mulama, Ernest Mwansa, Michelo Shelleni (All Powerhouse Lusaka).

John Kabwela, Mwila Chileshe, Patrick Chanda, Benaya Mukwamba, Chunzi Sikazwe, Musonda Kabwe (All Diggers), Hopeman Kanamina (Ndola Wanderers).

http://www.postzambia.com/post-read_art ... leId=21297

Botswana squad not available

TEST RUGBY RESULTS: CAR Division 1C

21.06.2011
Senegal 30, Botswana 12
Cameroun 12, Zambia 10

Finals Day-25 June
Senegal v Cameroun-Winner is promoted to CAR 1B for 2012
Botswana v Zambia-Loser relegated to 1D

http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3660&start=120

INTERNATIONAL RUGBY: Africa Cup, Pool C

03.07.2010
Botswana v Zambia

Venue: Hartsfield Rugby Club Ground

Referee:

Preview
Botswana were well and truly thumped by Zimbabwe Wednesday. The Vultures were reported to have had to leave a few key players behind due to injury after the squad was selected. Zambia gave Madagascar a good run for their money on Wednesday and look more likely to win this game.

Previous Encounters
20.07.2009 Botswana 16-10 in Gaborone (CAR Development Trophy, South)
09.04.2005 Zambia 28-24 in Lusaka (WCQ Africa Rnd 1A, South)
07.09.2002 Botswana 32-19 in Gaborone (CAR South 2)
27.07.2002 Zambia 37-17 in Lusaka (Friendly)
17.05.1997 Zambia 20-13 in Gaborone (WCQ Africa, R1)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Africa Table-Botswana 12th, Zambia 14th
IRB Ranking Points-Zambia 39.31, Botswana 39.21

Prediction: Zambia by 14 points

Teams

Botswana Team that played Zimbabwe
Katlego Mohutiswa, Thato Maifala, Onkabetse Mosalagae, Eddie Ernest, Lempaletse Ngaka, Kagiso Ditsebe, Kabo Batsile, Munyaradzi Mhonda(captain), Conrad Ntsebe, Andre Van Der Wat, Doug McCarthy, Edward Oosthuizen, Tefho Keothepile, Biki Mawela, Tshogenetso Katse. Lesedi Keekae, Otsile Mooketsi, Karabo Matenanga, Molibi Maphanyane, Onamile Tshimologo, Emanuel Masinki, Leatametse Mapodise, Segopotso Dintwe.
Head Coach: Niel Gouws

http://www.sundaystandard.info/article.php?NewsID=8103&GroupID=6

Zambia Squad
Nigel Chibwe, MacManus Musonda, Ali Bika, Boyd Nyirenda, Tedious Chololo, Sydney Mwansapa, Daniel Sakala, Ephraim Musukwa, Chiluba Kangwa, John Chibanga, Thomas Chipoya, Lazarous Chiti, Edward Mwamba, Tom Chaloba, Tom Mweemba, Jonathan Gondwe, Alex Mwila, Danny Kabila, Patrick Kasongo, John Kabwela, Patrick Chanda, Benaya Mukwamba, Chileshe Mwape and Kelvin Kampandu.
Head Coach: Noble Chisenga

Adapted from http://www.times.co.zm/news/viewnews.cgi?category=17&id=1277791690

AFRICAN RUGBY: Africa Cup Pool C Begins

Semi-Finals for Pool C in Bulawayo

30.06.2010
Zimbabwe v Botswana
Madagascar v Zambia

Previews
Play in Pool C gets underway tomorrow in Bulawayo, a city South West of Zimbabwe's capital Harare

Zimbabwe v Botswana

Referee:

Previous Encounters
25.07.2009 Zimbabwe 23-3 in Gaborone (CAR development Trophy, South)
07.09.1996 Zimbabwe 130-10 in Bulawayo (Friendly)

Botswana will struggle in this match. It has been reported that they will arrive with a below strength side affected by injuries.

GWC Rugby Rankings
Africa Table-Zimbabwe 10th, Botswana 12th
IRB Ranking Points-Zimbabwe 46.11, Botswana 39.21

Prediction: Zimbabwe by 34 points

Teams

Zimbabwe Squad
A.Sairai. V. Hove, J. Butchanan, D. Mutamangira, R. Gurumani, Z. Tondoro, G. Nechironga, J. Leitao, N. Mukondiwa, T. Mafi, D. Robertson, T. Nemadire, L. Machanjaire, G. Sibanda P. Staark, D. Hondo, W. Mbanje, T. Mhende, S. Johns, J. Rowe, P. Jessub, D. Mutamangira, S. Sibanda, P. Chitenderu, N. Ndlovu, S. Sibanda.

Head Coach: Brandon Dawson (coach)

http://www1.herald.co.zw/inside.aspx?sectid=20603&cat=5

Botswana squad not available

Madagascar v Zambia

Referee:

Previous Encounters
22.07.2009 Madagascar 36-15 in Gaborone (CAR Development Trophy, South)
26.08.2006 Madagascar 59-18 in Antanaviro (Africa Cup, Group D)

Zambia is very much the lightweight in this match. Although I can't find a squad list you can be sure Madagascar will be more than a handful for the Zambians.

GWC Rugby Rankings
Africa table-Madagascar 11th, Zambia 14th
IRB Ranking Points-Madagascar 46.90, Zambia 39.31

Prediction: Madagascar by 17 points

Teams

Zambia squad
Nigel Chibwe
MacManus Musonda
Ali Bika
Boyd Nyirenda
Tedious Chololo
Sydney Mwansapa
Daniel Sakala
Ephraim Musukwa
Chiluba Kangwa
John Chibanga
Thomas Chipoya
Lazarous Chiti
Edward Mwamba
Tom Chaloba
Tom Mweemba
Jonathan Gondwe
Alex Mwila
Danny Kabila
Patrick Kasongo
John Kabwela
Patrick Chanda
Benaya Mukwamba
Chileshe Mwape

Head Coach: Noble Chisenga

Madagascar Squad Not available

Rugby in Africa: CAR Development Trophy Concludes

The final day of the 2009 CAR Development Trophy, South Zone, concludes today in Gaborone, capital of Botswana. Madagascar, the highest seeded team looks like it will lose its placing.

25.07.2009
Botswana v Zimbabwe

Preview
The Zimbabwe-Botswana game looks to be the final of this tournament. Both go into this game undefeated and there appears to be nothing much between them.

Zimbabwe, without a few of its top players, caused an upset on day by downing the 'Makas' 31-22. They were a little shakey mid-week with a close 14-8 win over Mauritius.

Botswana, playing at their home ground at the University of Botswana, has surprised most with their record so far. They were convincing 16-10 winners over Zambia, whilst they won comfortably 39-17 over Reunion mid-week.

Previous Encounter
Botswana played its first international rugby test match in 1996. On that day there were hammered 130-10 by Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. These two teams have not met since!

GWC Rugby Rankings: Africa Table-Zimbabwe 7th, Botswana 10th

Prediction: Zimbabwe by 10 points

Teams

Botswana not available

Zimbabwe Squad
Forwards
Rocky Gurumani (Old Hararians ) Aged 34
Alfred Sairayi (Old Hararians)
Piet Joubert (Mashonaland Country Districts)
Devon Esbach (Mashonaland Country Districts)
Dimitri Zaverdinos (Mashonaland Country Districts) #
Kyle De Beer (Districts) #
Theo Weale (Old Miltonians) #
Kundai Hatendi (Harare Sports Club) #
Costa Dinha Aged 31 (possibly captain)
Moses Makiwa (Old Miltonians) #
Prayer Chitenderu (Old Hararians)
Norman Mukondiwa (Matabeleland Province)
Jacques Leitao (Mashonaland Country Districts)
Njabulo Ndlovu (Mashonaland Country Districts) # Still at school (Prince Edward School)

Backs
Gardner Nechironga (Polokwane, South Africa)
Tapiwa Mafi (Old Hararians) #
Gary Hewitt (Mashonaland Country Districts)
Tichafara Makwanya (Old Hararians) #
Bernard Mukondiwa (Old Miltonians) #
Paul Staak (Matabeleland Province)
Daniel Hondo (Hurtpury RFC, England)
Jafet Ndebele (Old Hararians) #
Lloyd Machanjaira (Old Miltonians) #
Tafadzwa Mhende (Harare Sports Club)
# New Caps

Head Coach: Brendan Dawson

Madagascar v Reunion

Preview
Madagascar should win this game but they will be ruing their loss to Zimbabwe on day 1.

Previous Encounters
These two teams first met back in 1995. My records show a 33-9 win to Reunion on that day. Since then Madagascar has been on a much higher African rugby stage. I expect Madagascar to win easily.

GWC Rugby Rankings: Africa Table-Madagascar 8th, Reunion 15th

Prediction: Madagascar by 50 points

Teams

Madagascar Squad
Vonjiniaina Marson Andriamananjara (COSFA)
Nirina Jacquis Bayard (Iarivo RC)
Haja Jean-Marc Fiarana (Iarivo RC)
Fabiola Derossant Fiavota (Iarivo RC)
Andrianavalona Bienvenu Mananjarasoa (Iarivo RC)
Jacquot Hary Nirina (TAM Anosibi)
Dimbiniaina Jean-Willy Rabemananjara (3FB)
Edmond Rija Rakotoarimanana (3FB)
Sidonie Lantoniaina Rakotoarisoa (3FB)
Benjamina Mandimby Rakotoarivelo (US Ankadifotsy)
Jean Félix Rakotoarivelo (US Ankadifotsy)
Mboazafy Noé Rakotoarivelo (Capt.) (COSFA)
Mario Rakotomalala (US Ankadifotsy)
Fenohery Andriambininjato Rakotondrazaka (FTA)
Jean de Dieu Rakotonirina (3FB)
Antonio Gontran Rakotozanany (TAM Anosibi)
Herilaza Ramanoelina (Iarivo RC)
Tolotra Ratsimba Ramaromiantso (3FB)
Herman Ibrahim Randrianiaina (Iarivo RC)
Tahina Herizo Randrianarisoa (3FB)
Toussaint Boniface Rabearilala (Iarivo RC)
Tina Nirina Ravelomanantsoa (Iarivo RC)

3FB = Ministère de la Santé et du Planning Familial
COSFA = Club Omnisports des Forces Armées

Reunion Squad
Pascal Agro (Chaudron)
Ludovic Claude (Chaudron)
Sylvain Defvergnes (Saint-Pierre)
Cédric Efflame (Saint-Paul)
Nicolas Frapese (Saint-Pierre)
Jérôme Gauthier (Chaudron)
Lazare Hoarau (XV Dionysien)
Marcel Hoareau (Chaudron)
William Hoareau (Chaudron)
Ulrich Lamour (Saint-Paul)
Bruno Lechnig (Saint-Pierre)
Frédéric Lechnig (Saint-Pierre)
Quentin Llouquet (Saint-Paul)
Jérémy Orélie (Saint-Paul)
Bruno Palace (Saint-Paul)
François Ribière (Saint-Paul)
Johan Rivière (Chaudron)
Patrice Rosa (Saint-Paul)
David Scheller (Saint-Pierre)
Eric Shapaz (La Montagne)
Willy Sinivassin (Etang-Salé)
Cédric Tiburce (Saint-Paul)
Christel Vocher (Saint-Paul)
Laurent Wolter (Saint-Pierre)
Encadrement : Bernard Charreyre, Didier Adekalom et Yves Russier

Mauritius v Zambia

Preview
It's not been a happy tournament for Zambia. They surprisingly lost to hosts Botswana 10-16 on day 1 and then found a tough Madagascan side too strong mid-week.

Mauritius defeated their island neighbour Reunion 10-9 on day 1, and then pushed Zimbabawe 8-14 mid-week for a very respectable record.

There may not be much between these two teams who have never met before.

GWC Rugby Rankings: Africa Table-Zambia 11th, Mauritius 14th.

Prediction: Zambia by 5 points.

Teams

Mauritius Squad
Romain Lamusse
Gauthier Ozoux
Cédric Poché
David Gervel
Nicolas Dupavillon
Jérôme Ritter
Jérôme Ferrat
Nicholas Margéot
Amédée Maingard
Jean-François Marie
Herbert Couacaud
Fabien Rivalland
Jean Edgar de Ravel
Denis Claude Pilot
Christophe Rousset
Yohan de Coriolis
Daniel Maigrot
Robert Boullé
Patrice François
Sacha Descroizilles
Thomas Maujean
Alexandre Jouan
Léopold Le Guen
Fabien Sauzier

Coaches: Bernard Castelin, Alain Lastécoueres.

Zambian Squad
Ali Bhuka, Macgiven Muchindu, Simon Kapindu, Michelo Sheleni, Norman Sibanda, Boyd Nyirenda, Dany Kabila, Ephraim Musukwa, Nigel Chibwe, Nicton Mwape, Edwin Zulu, Macmanus Musonda, Mwila Chileshe and Tom Chaloba. Nickson Silwimba, Grant Mwila, Isaac Munganga, Chancy Mulama, Jonathan Gondwe, Brian Chansa, Ceasar Mutesha, John Mulenga, Alex Mwila and Kabwe Musonda.
Head Coach: Happy Chipili

Rugby In Africa

CAR Development Trophy, South.
Just last weekend we saw the conclusion of the corresponding tournament in the north, which was held in Togo, a tiny republic in West Africa.

The Development trophy is for emerging nations one level below CAR Trophy, which was also played recently. The nations at the trophy level are Morocco (the winner), Kenya, Senegal and Cameroun.

The southern tournament was hit last week with two defections. Both Tanzania and Swaziland pulled out. This left Botswana (hosts), Zimbabwe, Madagascar, Zambia and the Indian Ocean islands of Mauritius and Reunion. Because it is an overseas department of France, Reunion has permission to play as a nation, but is not eligible for World Cup qualifying games.

With the late withdrawls, organisers rearranged the touranment into two pools, with teams only playing across the pools, exactly like the recent IRB Nations tournament held in Bucharest.

The tournament is being held at the University of Botswana Rugby grounds in the capital Gaborone.

Day One
20.07.2009
Zimbabwe 31, Madagascar 22
Botswana 16, Zambia 10
Mauritius 10, Reunion 9

Review
Two upsets were recorded in the first round. Madagascar were well fancied as the tournament favourite. On the day they found the Zimbabweans too strong.

Botswana caused the other upset by downing Zambia who are ranked higher. In the other match Mauritius just edged out Reunion.

Round two is on Wednesday 22 July