SABLES captain Costa Dinha is demanding both physical and mental toughness from his soldiers when Zimbabwe clash head-on with Madagascar in Antananarivo this afternoon.

This is the first of the two Africa Cup matches the Sables will play in their bid to qualify for the semi-finals of the continent's flagship Cup. Zimbabwe are in Pool B South, alongside Uganda and Madagascar.

The Sables need to beat both Madagascar and Uganda if they entertain any chances of progressing to the next stage. Last year, Zimbabwe faltered in the group stages after failing to fulfill their home tie against the islanders. The players, led by then captain Victor Olonga, boycotted training prior to the clash.

Zimbabwe forfeited the points to Madagascar and were reprimanded by both the International Rugby Board and the Africa Rugby Board.

The last time the Sables played Madagascar was in 2002 when the former walloped the then minnows 53-3.

But Zimbabwe had experienced players then. This time around, a youthful and inexperienced group of players carry the nation's hopes.

'The preparations have been very good but what is required is mental toughness. The last time we won against Madagascar we had experienced players but now we have young players and some of them have not played in such high-profile matches.

'But I have faith in them. We have trained hard the past week. I believe we should beat Madagascar,' Dinha said.

Of the 22-man squad announced by team manager Noddy Kanyangarara early last week, only three players ply "their trade outside Zimbabwe. Dinha plays for a German club while lock Arthur Mathe is based in South Africa. Young Victor Zimbawo is also based in Germany.

Sables squad:

Arthur Mathe (lock), Alfred Sairai (Prop), Augustine Mberi (wing), Costa Dinha (Flanker), Emmanuel Mukandi (lock), Emmanuel Munyoro (Fullback), Farai Shava (Fly-half), Fortune Chipendo (Lock), Gary Hewitt (Scrum-half), John Marira (Full back) Mzi Nyathi (Hooker), Prayer Chitendo (Flanker), Rockface Gurumani (Prop), Shingi Chirimuta (Prop), Silethokuhle Ndlovu (Eighthman), Tichaona Chidongo (Scrumhalf) Victor Zimbawo (Fly-half), Zano Chikara (Centre), Daniel Hondo (Centre), Daniel Macheke (Hooker).