admin
Paul Munyuki Sports Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Sevens rugby side will take part in the sixth Middelburg Sevens rugby tournament which gets underway tomorrow at the Middelburg High School in Mpumalanga, South Africa.Having participated in the event since its inception five years ago, most of the international sides that take part at this annual tournament use it as a preparatory even for the Sevens international season.
The tournament brings worldclass action to South Africa and it is the only tournament outside the International Rugby Board World Sevens Series leg that South Africa host.
And this year, Wales, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana will be the international sides at the festival
Coached by Gilbert “Gidza” Nyamutsamba, the Cheetahs from Zimbabwe have found the tournament as a good platform to have a feel of the new players where they also try different combinations in the build-up to the season.
Last year, Zimbabwe sent five teams to the event, with the tournament offering an opportunity for the Under-16, Under-19, Goshawks (development side), Zimbabwe women and the senior national team to play at this event. With the tournament presenting an opportunity for Zimbabwean teams to play against high quality opposition like South Africa and Wales, it has become an event that Zimbabwe look forward to competing in.
And like last year, Zimbabwe will not only send the Cheetahs, as they will also be represented in different categories with the Pangolins (women’s side), Goshawks and Mbare Rugby Academy who conquered in the Spar Sevens Schools tournament in Zimbabwe early this year.
In his side, Nyamutsamba named two surprises in the form of Durban-based Sables forward Biselele Tshamala and England-based Hilton Mudarirki, leaving out a host of more experienced players.
The likes of captain Jacques Leitao, Daniel Hondo and Wensely Mbanje are out of the touring party while Tangai Nemadire has been named captain of the Goshawks in a side that includes four other players that have previously played for the Cheetahs.
Kudakwashe Chiwanza, Lloyd Machanjaira, Shayne Makombe and Japhet Ndebele have also been named in the Goshawks team to give balance and stabilise the side as they take on the more established teams.
But Zimbabwe will be in for some tough competition as they will also play South Africa who do not only take part in the Sevens World Series, but also play in the Rugby World Cup Sevens, the Commonwealth Games, the World Cup (automatic qualification), from 2016 onwards, and the Olympic Games.
On the other side, Wales are former world champions having won the 2009 World Cup in Dubai
Teams
Cheetahs: Fortune Chipendu, Boyd Rouse, Njabulo Ndlovu, Tapiwa Tsomondo, Lucky Sithole, Wes Mbanje, Kilvan Mangunje, Hilton Mudariki, Biselele Tshamala, Steven Hunduza, Gardner Nechironga and Tafadzwa Chitokwindo.
Goshawks: Kuda Chiwanza, Lloyd Machanjaira, Shayne Makombe, Japhet Ndebele, Tangai Nemadire (captain), Dan Nicols, Sean Chigumbura, Tatas Mutataguta, Taddy Whata, Brian Dube, Kudakwashe Chimukuyu, Tawanda Chowe.
Mbare Academy: Shingirayi Katsvere (captain), Marshall Mandizvidza, Prise Nyameni, James Vambe, Brighton Chinyanya, Tinashe Chibondo, Brandon Chari, Victor Mushayahama, Takudzwa Mawarire, Kuzivaishe Benza, Tinashe Masawi, Benjamin Musendarudzi, Richard Majuru, Moses Matenga.
Online Reporter