Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE’S Cheetahs appear to be in good spirits as they brace for a tricky assignment at the Rugby Africa Sevens Cup in Mauritius this weekend.
The senior national team were all smiles shortly before departure for the Indian Ocean island, with captain Tapiwa Malenga describing the mood in camp as “electric” and generally a “positive vibe” all around.
“Electric is all I say to describe the general mood in camp with the guys all pumped up.
“It’s a real positive vibe.
“The team is looking sharp, we had about a week of intense training and the boys are gelling well. “Our preparations have been solid and everyone is eager to take on the competition,” he said. The Africa Cup, slated for June 21-22 in Mauritius, will be Zimbabwe’s first assignment this year, a point that sevens’ coach Ricky Chirengende described as intentional and high priority for the team.
“I think it’s something that we have just decided to do this year which is to just concentrate and focus on the Africa Cup and give it a good go,” he said.
“There will always be worries of a bit of rustiness and one can underestimate the importance of getting a few games under your belt, especially going into such a big tournament.
“However, the boys have been active and we had a few training sessions under our belt in the lead-up to the tournament,” he said.
These are sentiments echoed by his skipper, Malenga, who spoke with a lot of confidence and authority.
“We are ready and confident that we will put on a good show,” said the skipper.
“Coach Ricky (Chirengende) has assembled a great team dynamic and that camaraderie is going to be key in the games ahead.
“We are focused at the task at hand,” he said.
Zimbabwe have been placed in Pool C — alongside Tunisia, Madagascar and hosts Mauritius — a draw many have viewed as favourable. They have managed to avoid tournament favourites South Africa and bogey sides Uganda and Kenya.
However, Malenga does not believe in easy opponents. He also believes that for Zimbabwe to win the tournament, they will have to go through all the best teams.
“The opposition teams are all tough, no doubt about it,” he said.
“Madagascar have got some speed and you can never underestimate Tunisia or the host themselves.
“However, we are confident in our game plan and ready to take them on.
“We might have avoided some tough teams in the group stages but, let’s be real, we have to face everyone if we want to win it.
“Uganda and South Africa are both formidable opponents but we are up for the challenge.
“We will just have to take it one game at a time and focus on executing our game plan.
“We want to win the competition, so we will ultimately be gunning for the top spot in our group and then take it from there.
“We just need to be at our best in every game that we play.”
