Vlok Cilliers reports denied as Zimbabwe focus on SA A showdown

EXCLUSIVE: Reports linking former Springbok flyhalf Vlok Cilliers and Bulls skills coach Kennedy Tsimba to the Zimbabwe Sables coaching setup ahead of Saturday’s clash with South Africa A in Gqeberha have been dismissed by head coach Pieter Benade.

Social media posts earlier this week suggested Cilliers had joined Zimbabwe as a kicking consultant, while Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick referenced Tsimba as part of the Sables management team.

However, both men denied any official involvement when contacted, with Benade later clarifying that discussions had taken place with Cilliers, but no appointment was finalised.

The confusion has inadvertently highlighted the growing South African influence behind a Zimbabwe side that will arrive in Gqeberha this weekend as one of African rugby’s success stories, having ended a 36-year World Cup exile by qualifying for the 2027 tournament in Australia.

Both Cilliers and Tsimba denied they were officially involved with the national setup and Benade later clarified the situation.

“They [Zimbabwe Rugby Union] wanted to get Vlok in and he wanted to come, but because he left France prematurely, he was technically still under contract,” Benade explained.

“It was definitely premature [the social media post].”

Tsimba reacted to the rumour, saying: “No, I am not helping them, just a supporter from a distance.”

The current coaching team includes Ricky Chirengende, Joel Carew, former Scotland international Josh Strauss as well as Michael Todd, former assistant coach of Edinburgh.

Former Springbok coach Gert Smal’s tenure with the Sables has ended.

Going to the next World Cup has turned the Sables into one of Africa’s most fascinating rugby success stories.

Ranked 24th in the world, Zimbabwe will make only their third World Cup appearance in 2027, having previously featured at the inaugural tournament in 1987 and again in 1991.

They were, in fact, the first African nation to represent the continent at a World Cup before decades of decline saw them fall behind emerging rivals such as Namibia.

The architect of Zimbabwe’s revival is Benade, a Zimbabwean-born former flyhalf who built much of his rugby career in South Africa.

After representing Zimbabwe at youth level, he moved south and played for Western Province and the Pumas before spending time in France’s Pro D2 competition.

Following his retirement, Benade began coaching at False Bay Rugby Club in Cape Town before joining Zimbabwe as an assistant coach. He took over as head coach in March 2024 and quickly transformed the national team’s fortunes.

Under his leadership, Zimbabwe won back-to-back Rugby Africa Cup titles and secured direct qualification for the 2027 World Cup.

Unlike previous Zimbabwe teams that relied heavily on locally based players, the current Sables draw talent from across the rugby world.

Benade’s extended training group includes players based in South Africa, England, France, Spain and Zimbabwe.

Experienced campaigners such as captain Hilton Mudariki, Tinotenda Mavesere, Trevor Gurwe, Bruce Houston and Gary Porter provide a strong core, while overseas-based recruits continue to strengthen the squad’s depth.

The Sables have spent the past few weeks in the SAS high-performance training camp in Stellenbosch, where they also enjoyed valuable training sessions and match preparation against the Junior Springboks.

Those sessions mean Zimbabwe will arrive in Gqeberha with a solid understanding of the South Africa ‘A’ side they are likely to encounter.

The Sables have been drawn alongside England, Wales and Tonga at Rugby World Cup 2027 and will believe they have a realistic opportunity to claim a first-ever World Cup victory.

Image credit Zimbabwe Rugby Union FB