admin
Paul Munyuki Sports Reporter
THE Zimbabwe senior national rugby side are set to get into camp on Sunday in preparation for their Africa Cup game against Tunisia with several changes expected in the squad.
Having won against Kenya two weeks ago, the Sables will begin serious preparations for their game against Tunisia set for Prince Edward School next Saturday.
The Tigers will face rivals St George’s College in the main curtain raiser.
A number of changes are expected in the squad that beat Kenya at the same venue, with flankers Njabulo Ndlovu and Jacques Leitao, young centre Takudzwa Chieza, number eight Norman Mukondiwa and Kevin Nqindi coming into the team.
Forward Kingsley Lang, who had a good game at eight in the Sables’ previous encounter and flanker Shingi Mpofu, who complimented each other well as part of the loose trio with Andy Rose, will not be available due to work commitments.
Substitute prop Tatenda “Kiwi” Murwira will also not be available for the Tunisia encounter after he suffered a foot injury during a training session at his club Old Hararians.
Sables coach Cyprian “Supa” Mandenge says he is not worried about the unavailability of these players as he has a lot of cover.
“I have lost quality players for this game, but have also gained quality players for the same game,” said Mandenge. “It’s alright to have some of these changes because we have to work with what we have. Others are not available due to work commitments, and some, unfortunately, due to injury like Murwira, who is on crutches.
“They avail themselves when they are free, but it’s good that we have other players who are able to come in as well to create good cover for the gaps we have in the team.
“Njabulo had exams the last time we played Kenya and we are good to have him back. Jacques was tied with work commitments, but is now available for the Tunisia game; (scrummy) Hilton Mudariki also had exams and at the end of the day that should work to our advantage as this could be a sign of depth.”
Knowing how physical and conditioned the North Africans are, Mandenge is concerned about his sides’ fitness and believes he should devise an alternative way to counter that.
“Of course, conditioning is key to the game, but we have to make sure that we work with what we have. We need to create a game plan that allows us to rest and play to our team’s strengths like we did against Kenya.
“The Simbas were more conditioned than us, but we managed to restrict them to only three points in the second half.
“But I am also happy that our captain Denford Mutamangira has been in South Africa at Sharks, receiving quality specialist front row and forwards training. This is a plus to us because I know he will come with a number of things to share with his teammates.
“I believe more players should be allowed to take part in such events so as to grow our game,” said Mandenge.
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Under-14 school side for the South African Craven Week festival is this weekend expected to leave the country for the five-day tournament set to take place at Hoerskool Rob Ferreria in White River, Mpumalanga Province.
They will then be followed by the Under-17 side that will travel to South Africa in nine days’ time for the Grant Khomo festival at Bridgton Sports Grounds in Oudtshoorn, while the Under-18s will do duty in the Craven Week festival running from July 13 to 18 in Stellenbosch.
Online Reporter