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Mbachi Mutukula-Maregere Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE Rugby Union technical director Liam Middleton has postponed the selection process for the Cheetahs squad to this afternoon to give opportunity to more players. The squad to be selected this afternoon will represent Zimbabwe at the International Rugby Board Sevens World Series event in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, next month.
The series is scheduled for December 7 and 8 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium and the Cheetahs team will leave for their tour of duty on Monday.
Middleton said competition for places was very high at this year’s training camp.
“We had to delay our final selection from today until tomorrow afternoon because we need to have aother loojk at the players as the competition was very high and we want to give all the players an opportunity,” said Middleton.
“This camp has been one of the best I have been involved in, this venue has all the facilities that we can use and the pitch is in good shape, we have the gym, the swimming pool and there is a good restaurant.
“In terms of infrastructure it is fantastic.
“In training, everything has been good, we have got 13 new players who have really come in and brought new energy and intensity to the sessions and have brought good competition.
“All in all, the facilities and the players have been brilliant and have been cooperating well, they are always excited to learn and they understand fast and do better and that attitude has set us up well for the tournament and for the future.”
There are some injury concerns, though.
“Stephen Hunduza is the only player who has not been able to train in the field sessions,” said Middleton.
“He’s been in the gym after his injury during the local Sevens Series and that’s really sad because he has done really well in the summer series.
“But he is still in the mix for selection and he may still train tomorrow which will bring him in the running.
“Daniel Honda has joined the group as an assistant coach and we got Grant Mitchell who led the St Georgians team to win the summer series last Saturday and they are all involved in the coaching.
“Mitchell has been working with the players in the gym and on their fitness,” said Middleton.
Middleton believes the selected training squad will provide a bright future for the Famous Grouse Cheetahs Zimbabwe Sevens Rugby.
The Cheetahs training squad
Fortune Chipendu, Tawanda Chowe, Sean Coles, Tafadzwa Chitokwindo, Boyd Rouse, Njabulo Ndlovu, Tapiwa Tsomondo, Bisele Tshamala, Farai Jijita, Sean Laizer, Stephen Hunduza, Kilvan Mangunje, Lenience Tambwera, Hilton Mudariki, Brandon Boshi, Gardner Nechironga,Wes Mbanje, Shayne Makombe, Morgan Vangue,Tangai Nemadire.
Online Reporter