Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
The Zimbabwe Cheetahs have announced their 12-member squad for the Rugby Africa Sevens Cup in Mauritius with coach Ricky Chirengende satisfied with the blend of experienced players and rising stars.
Zimbabwe are travelling to the Indian Ocean island with a mission to try and reclaim the Rugby Africa Sevens title, which they last won in 2012.
It has been a lengthy absence from the podium, but the Cheetahs believe they have the pedigree to challenge for honours this year.
“We have got a well-balanced squad that has earned their spots through hard work and consistency,” said Chirengende.
“Our preparations have been focused and deliberate and now it’s time to go out there and perform.
“We are ready for the challenge,” he said.
The Rugby Africa Sevens Cup is scheduled for June 21-22 and will this year attract 12 of the continent’s top Sevens sides including South Africa’s Blitzboks and perennial campaigners Uganda and Kenya.
Apart from hosts Mauritius, Madagascar are the other Indian Ocean side in the tournament, which also includes Tunisia, Zambia, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso.
Zimbabwe have been placed in Pool C alongside Tunisia, Madagascar and hosts Mauritius.
Despite the pool not featuring continental juggernauts like South Africa or Uganda, it presents a deceptively tough pathway with every team capable of producing major upsets.
The hosts will enjoy home advantage, while Tunisia and Madagascar bring pace and unpredictability to the table.
Only the top two teams in each pool are guaranteed a place in the knockout stages, making every match a must-win encounter.
Chirengende and his Cheetahs are also aware that there will be more to it than just winning the Rugby Africa Sevens title.
Success in Mauritius will put the Cheetahs in good stead for qualification pathways to the World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series – a crucial step towards global competition and Olympic qualification.
Team manager Tafadzwa Mhende also expressed confidence in the Cheetahs.
“This team is battle-tested and driven.
“With strong backing from our partners and the union, we believe the Cheetahs will do Zimbabwe proud.”
Such players like Edward Sigauke, Brandon Mudzekenyedzi, Tinotenda Mavesere and Carlos Matematema have been around the Cheetahs dressing room long enough to know the kind of competition that awaits Zimbabwe in Mauritius.
Zimbabwe Cheetahs
Vuyani Dhlomo, Munashe Dukuswa, Brandon Mudzekenyedzi, Edward Sigauke, Godfrey Magaramombe, Ryan Musumhi, Tapiwa Malenga, Dion Khumalo, Tapiwa Mafura, Tinotenda Blithe Mavesere, Carlos Matematema, Trevor Gurwe.
