Rugby ace strikes dramatic impact on Test debut

PHILLIMON MHLANGA

WINGER Martin Mangongo enjoyed a dream Test debut, scoring a try in stunning fashion for the Sables against neighbours Zambia in the revived Victoria Cup at Harare Sports Club last Saturday.

Many thought the 20-year old Mangongo, who plies his trade in France, would be an insecure church mouse in the Sables outfit but the industrious player, who also had stints in South Africa and Poland before his recent move to France, grabbed his debut rugby Test by the neck on Saturday.

He hunted with the right intensity for 80 minutes, outwitting the Zambians with penetrative runs.

On multiple occasions, Mangongo surveyed his options well against a wall of green and gold and deceiving them with a goose steps and dummy to burst through the opponent’s defensive line. He also impressed with his amazing breakdowns in the park, carving it up with smart work every time he stepped into first receiver position and was duly
rewarded with a sharp veering try, something described of a sensation.

Such praise so early in a career can of-course be a little dangerous as to some players, it becomes a burden. But, judging by Mangongo’s performance, several analysts, who spoke to BT Sports, said he has a big heart and described him as the Sables’ next long-term wing
project, and they could be right. He, however, has to fight serious competition with German-based Tafadzwa Chitokwindo.

“It was a great feeling earning my first cap for the Sables and it’s a real honour to don the green and white jersey,” Mangongo told BT Sport after the match.

“The competition in the team is very tough and it was not easy to for me to make international debut in Zimbabwe’s first Test match of the year. But, it was awesome that the coach [Brendon Dawson] brought me in to feed off the senior guys.

“I just had to go in and get straight into the fifth gear. My number one goal was to put on that green and white jersey and now with our next Test games against tough Uganda and Kenya, I want to see myself cementing my place in the first team and become a regular member of the team which is very talented. It’s not easy to break into such a
team. But, I will continue to fight hard and fight for the team.”

Dawson has dazzling memories of Mangongo. The Sables fielded as many as eight debutants against Zambia, but, it’s the appearance and performance of Mangongo that has Dawson salivating with the winger tipped to earn more appearances for the Sables.

“He (Mangongo) performed exceptionally well. We are very happy with what he did as a newcomer to the team. He was typically strong and scored a good try,” Dawson said this week.

Zimbabwe cruised to 39-10 win over Zambia. Equall outstanding in the tie were Daniel Capsopolous and Takudza Cheza, who also made remarkable Sables debuts, scoring two tries each, while vice-captain Hilton Mudariki scored another try. Captain Brandon Mandivenga scored three conversions and a penalty.

Zimbabwe will play tough rugby outfits Uganda and Kenya in the revived Victoria Cup. Although it’s only a four nation Test championship, it becomes Africa’s premier competition this year in the absence of the Africa Cup, which is off the calendar due to the World Cup taking place later in the year.

The new-look Victoria Cup has a bearing on world rankings as well as the qualification route for the 2023 World Cup.

Mangongo burst into prominence while turning out for Junior Sables from Under 14 to Under 18, which he represented on multiple occasions.

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