adminPaul Munyuki Harare Bureau
ZIMBABWE’S Cheetahs are determined to gain World Sevens Series full membership status in Hong Kong today. Zimbabwe get their campaign off with a Pool E date against Germany before facing debutantes Cayman Islands today and will complete their group games by taking on hosts Hong Kong tomorrow.After the group games, teams will be ranked according to the number of winning points, the top eight going into the quarter-final stage.
Japan will be their toughest group opponents.
At the Las Vegas Sevens Japan finished as the sixth best side overall with 12 points, placed ahead of the likes of France, Kenya, Argentina and Wales.
Though they are not a core member, Japan have played four tournaments in Dubai, Wellington, Sydney and Las Vegas.
They drew against England, beat Scotland and Kenya and made it to the Plate final where they lost to New Zealand.
“It’s not going to be easy with teams like (favourites) Japan and Spain involved too, but we’re prepared,” said captain Tafadzwa Chitokwindo.
Hong Kong will be missing the services of their captain Max Woodward due to a thigh strain and the hosts also have three debutantes – James Cunningham, Toby Fenn and Ryan Meacheam – in their line-up.
Hong Kong Qualifier Draw
Pool E: Zimbabwe, Hong Kong, Cayman Islands, Germany.
Pool F: Spain, Chile Papua New Guinie, Mexico.
Pool G: Japan, Tonga, Brazil, Morocco
Cheetahs squad: Tafadzwa Chitokwindo (captain), Jacques Leitao, Njabulo Ndlovu, Boyd Rouse, Shayne Makombe, Biselele Tshamala, Stephan Hunduza, Kilvan Magunje, Lenience Tambwera, Riaan O’Neil, Kuda Chiwanza, Manasah Sita.
Hong Kong: Jamie Hood (captain), Michael Coverdale, James Cunningham, Toby Fenn, Lee Jones, Cado Lee Ka-to, Christopher Maize, Alex McQueen, Ryan Meacheam, Ben Rimene, Rowan Varty, Salom Yiu Kam-shing.
Online Reporter