Charitable Cheetahs . . .

Zimbabwe Sevens rugby side at the re-branded Castle Sevens rugby tournament in Lusaka.
Coached by Gilbert Nyamutsamba, the Cheetahs are expected to leave the country early this morning, together with their second string side the Goshawks, while the women’s side – the Pangolins – flew out yesterday.
The last time Sita took part in the Castle Sevens tournament was in 2007.
That was before he went to ply his trade in Germany, via South Africa, and he has mainly been coming home for tournaments in the International Rugby Board Sevens Series.
Zimbabwe have been a regular feature at the two opening legs of the IRB Sevens Series in Dubai and George, South Africa, and have of late been invited to the Hong Kong leg of the series.
With the Zambian tournament format having been changed, with an effect on the team seeding for the IRB Sevens Series, Zimbabwe are now taking it seriously.
“That is the main reason I am here. We are the defending champions in the Castle Sevens and now that there has been a change in the format of the event with rankings at stake I saw it proper to come and fight together with the boys,” said Sita.
“We have to make it and maintain our record as one of the top Sevens countries in Africa as it is good for us (Zimbabwe) and good for the team.”
Sita believes the boys will not be complacent as they know what to expect in Lusaka.
“We should just treat this tournament with the same caution we do when we go for any other tournament,” said Sita.
“The first thing that has to be on our minds is that we have to win, then if we do so, the rankings will come second and we have to enjoy the game as much as we want to win. There is obviously more competition in the tournament and the fact that the games will be broadcast places a huge mental role on the players as some will treat it as a chance to be seen.”
Sita said he is also taking the opportunity to come back home and strengthen the ties between Mbare Rugby Academy with his German Club.
Early this year, before going to Hong Kong for the IRB Sevens, Sita donated playing kit that included boots, jerseys and shorts to Mbare Academy.
“We are planning to have (Mbare Academy) travel to Germany for a few weeks, maybe sometime next year, and I took this opportunity to update them of the developments as well,” said the former Old Hararians winger.
And yesterday the Cheetahs donated training equipment that includes cones, ruck shields, tackle bags and balls to Mabvuku Sports Club.
Cheetahs’ forward Fortune Chipendu, who is a product of Mabvuku Sports Club received the equipment from Sevens chairman Donald Mangenje, at Old Georgians. The equipment was sourced for by the Cheetahs in Hong Kong early this year and came courtesy of Bruce Fowler – a South African based in Hong Kong.
Squads
Cheetahs: Fortune Chipendu, Jacques Leitao (capt), Njabulo Ndlovu, Justin Coles, Manasah Sita, Graham Kaulback, Daniel Hondo, Gardner Nechironga, Wes Mbanje, Tafadzwa Chitokwindo, Jonathan McWade, Lloyd Machanjaira.
Goshawks: Jan Ferreira, Garath Meikle, Preston Bryant, Liberty Mutowoni, Joseph Nichols, Japhet Ndebele, Terence Kuvarega, Simba Gonese, Reginald Mutangadura, Dyla Bradshaw, Kudakwashe Chiwanza, Samson Makuku.
Pangolins: Lucia Marisamhuru (capt), Abby Gondo, Precious Marange, Tatenda Chitewe, Rumbidzai Chabveka, Lilian Mapiye, Simbisai Kadye, Charity Mucucuti, Takunda Mpofu, Ashley Chitambira, Octavia Munhamo, Notando Ndlovu.