Cheetahs plunge into battle

Mbachi Mutukula-Maregere Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE Sevens chairman Donald “Brasco” Mangenje said the Cell C Nelson Mandela Bay International Rugby Board World Sevens Series will provide a good test for the Cheetahs.

The Cheetahs take on Argentina in their first match today in Port Elizabeth.

“We going to build a team which will represent in Hong Kong and so taking part in the series is the best thing for us,” said Magenje.

“We are in a very tough pool but I think it is actually a good experience.

“We are proud, as a nation, to play the top sides in the world, not many sporting disciplines in Zimbabwe have the same opportunity.

“This tournament will be a good test and excellent boost for our Hong Kong assignment next year, the completive pool will give us a chance to assess ourselves better.”

The Cheetahs will be taking part in the Series for the fourth time and will be under the guidance of Gilbert “Gidza” Nyamatsamba who will be assisted by former playmaker Daniel Hondo. The Cheetahs had their last day of training yesterday in preparation of their showdown against Argentina this morning.

The Zimbabweans are in a tough Pool B where they take on the Dubai Sevens Series runners-up Australia as well as Plate winners Argentina and Portugal.

Zimbabwe Cheetahs

Jacques Leitao (captain), Fortune Chipendu, Gardner Nechironga, Stephan Hunduza, Hilton Mudariki, Njabulo Ndlovu, Boyd Rouse, Tafadzwa Chitokwindo, Kudakwashe Chiwanza, Shayne Makombe, Wesley Mbanje, Kilvan Magunje.

Head Coach: Gilbert Nyamutsamba

Assistant Coach: Daniel Hondo.

Team Manager: Steve McDonald.

Matches: Today

10:30 Fiji vs France

10:52 Scotland vs Canada

11:14 Australia vs Portugal

11:36 Argentina vs Zimbabwe

11:58 New Zealand vs Samoa

12:20 England vs Japan

12:42 South Africa vs USA

13:04 Wales vs Kenya

13:46 Fiji vs Canada

14:08 Scotland vs France

14:30 Australia vs Zimbabwe

14:52 Argentina vs Portugal

15:14 New Zealand vs Japan

15:36 England vs Samoa

15:58 South Africa vs Kenya

16:20 Wales vs USA

17:04 France vs Canada

17:26 Fiji vs Scotland

17:48 Portugal vs Zimbabwe

18:10 Australia vs Argentina

18:52 Samoa vs Japan

19:14 New Zealand vs England

19:36 USA vs Kenya

19:58 South Africa vs Wales

Day 2: Tomorrow,

December 14 – IRB Sevens South Africa

10:51 A3 vs D4

11:13 C3 vs B4

11:35 D3 vs A4

11:57 B3 vs C4

12:19 A1 vs D2

12:41 C1 vs B2

13:03 D1 vs A2

13:25 B1 vs C2

14:07 Loser Match 25 vs Loser Match 26

14:29 Loser Match 27 vs Loser Match 28

14:51 Winner Match 25 vs Winner Match 26

15:13 Winner Match 27 vs Winner Match 28

15:55 Loser Match 29 vs Loser Match 30

16:17 Loser Match 31 vs Loser Match 32

16:39 Winner Match 29 vs Winner Match 30

17:01 Winner Match 31 vs Winner Match 32

17:43 Winner Match 33 vs Winner Match 34

18:08 Winner Match 35 vs Winner Match 36

18:33 Winner Match 37 vs Winner Match 38

18:58 Loser Match 39 vs Loser Match 40

19:30 Winner Match 39 vs Winner Match 40 (Final)