adminTheir performance in this weekend’s Hong Kong leg of the Sevens World Series will determine if they are able to go and play at the London leg of the series for the main core membership qualifier stage in May.
The Cheetahs have been drawn in Pool G of the Hong Kong competition where 2013 World Cup hosts Russia are their toughest opponents in the same group that also includes minnows Mexico and the Cook Islands.
Zimbabwe held their first training session in Hong Kong yesterday and, as has become the tradition, are expected to join other teams in helping the schools with coaching clinics before the tournament kicks-off on Friday.
Cheetahs captain, Jacques Leitao, knows the importance of this three-day event and said they do not have to take any of the teams they will play lightly.
“It’s a tough pool but I am confident we can top it and show that Zimbabwe Sevens should be a core team but the Cook Islands are the more inexperienced side in terms of IRB tournaments and certainly bring island flair to the game.
“Russia are a strong outfit and with them hosting the World Cup this year, I’m sure a lot of emphasis is being put on their national side, so they will be tough to overcome.
“I am not sure what to expect from Mexico but we can’t underestimate any team but I would believe that Tonga and Japan will also give us stiff competition if we are to meet them in the knock out stages,” said the Sables and Old Georgians forward.
And, like their rivals, Russia will be taking each game seriously as they know that a good outing and a top four finish in Hong Kong will guarantee them a better chance of becoming a core team ahead of hosting the World Cup.
Captain Dmitry Perov is anticipating an exciting few months for his side, starting with the Hong Kong leg.
“Hong Kong is very important for us because if we do well we will qualify for London and that in turn will give us an opportunity for a pass to the Series next year.
“If we get to London and qualify, this will give a great push for Russian Sevens because it will be held before the RWC Sevens were all eyes will be on us.
“If we do become a core team next year, it will give us a lift and give us a great opportunity to compete at all the major tournaments next year.
“It will put us on a totally different level and now we are looking at it as a new Olympic sport,” said Perov.
Cheetahs Squad:
Fortunate Chipendu, Jacques Leitao (captain), Lucky Sithole, Garth Ziegler, Kelvin Magunje, Tafadzwa Chitokwindo, , Gardner Nechironga, Tangai Nemadire, Tapiwa Tsomondo, Njabulo Ndlovu Daniel Hondo.
Coach: Gilbert Nyamutsamba
Manager: Bruce Hobson
Hong Kong Draw:
Pool A: South Africa, Wales, Argentina, Australia.
Pool B: New Zealand, United States, France, Kenya.
Pool C: Samoa, England, Scotland, Portugal.
Pool D: Canada, Fiji, Spain, Hong Kong.
Pool E: Tonga, Uruguay, Tunisia, Chinese Taipei.
Pool F: Japan, Georgia, Jamaica, Brazil.
Pool G: Russia, Zimbabwe, Cook Islands and Mexico.
Online Reporter