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Innocent Kurira, Sports Reporter
CHEETAHS coach Graham Kaulback is happy with the shift put in by his charges at the just ended Dubai Invitational Sevens.
Zimbabwe finished third in their pool after a 7-5 loss to French side 7 Fantastics, 35-14 win over another French team, Equipe De France De Militaire, and a 24-14 win over Ireland Invitational.
The Cheetahs, however, could not progress in the competition on points difference, which saw them move over to the bowl.
In the bowl, Zimbabwe lost the first quarter-final 19-5 to Western Sydney Two Blues before they defeated the Japan Sevens Development Squad 21-7 in the shield semi-finals to book a place in the final where they saw off ASM Clermont Auvergne.
“I felt the tournament went really well. It was a great experience and good exposure for the young Cheetahs that we took with the average age being 22. It was a valuable experience for them. We managed to win some really good games against Ireland, Japan.
It was good to win those games and grow our playing style while also learning with each game,” said Kaulback.
“Also being alongside the World Series gave us a picture of the level we need to be at.
We are happy with the results that we managed to get. I am happy with how we are building our game plan and our depth. We only used our players based in Zimbabwe and Botswana without using the international players,” said Kaulback.
Zimbabwe were using the Dubai Invitational Sevens to prepare for a busy schedule next year which includes the qualifier for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Godfrey Magaramombe and Tadius Dzandiwandira were named as co-captains of the Cheetahs following the retirement of Kudzai Mashawi at the end of October.
It was the first time that the Cheetahs were in action since they took part in the Rugby Sevens in Cape Town, South Africa where they finished 23 out of 24 men’s teams at the global showpiece. – @innocentskizoe
Online Reporter