adminZimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE have become the first team to welcome South Africa back to the Rugby Africa Cup Sevens tournament with Cheetahs’ manager Tafadzwa Mhende saying that their mere presence gives the tournament credibility.
South Africa were a late inclusion into the tournament after Namibia pulled out and the sevens’ powerhouse have since named a developmental squad that includes only five capped players.
The South Africa A side have been placed in Pool C alongside Zimbabwe, Algeria, and Zambia.
“Traditionally, South Africa have turned down taking part in the Africa Cup and only came in as a late inclusion after Namibia pulled out,” said Mhende.
“We welcome their participation as South Africa is a powerhouse in the sevens’ game and their mere presence gives the tournament that much star power and credibility.
“It was the same when the Blitzbok took part in Olympic Qualifiers in Zimbabwe last year, and it will be the same this time around.
“Playing them in the group stages is a blessing in disguise as we avoid them when the knock stages come,” he said.
Zimbabwe arrived in Mauritius yesterday ahead of the start if the tourney, the first leg of the Africa Sevens Series that kicks off tomorrow in the Indian Ocean island nation.
This year’s edition of the Rugby Africa Cup will be played in two phases with the first slated for June 29-30.
The second will then take place during the weekend of July 6 and 7.
The Cheetahs open their campaign with a tie against Algeria before meeting Ghana and then wrapping the day’s play with a game against Zambia.
They will then clash against South Africa on the last day of the two-day tournament.
The Cheetahs arrived in Mauritius late in the day yesterday with coach Ricky Chirengende carrying a delicate balance of both youth and experience.
The sevens’ gaffer retained the experienced hands of captain Tapiwa Malenga, Ryan Musumhi, Carlos Matematema, Vuyani Dhlomo, Nigel Tinarwo, and Kudakwashe Nyamakura. With one eye on the future, Chirengende also carried some youth with the likes of former Zimbabwe Under 20 players Edward Sigauke and Shadreck Mandaza, who took part in the Rugby Africa Sevens Olympic Qualifiers. Dion Khumalo, Kholwani Moyo, and Allan Mawunga are also among the more youthful names that made the trip.
The biggest surprise, however, was Thabani “TJ” Maguranyanga who received his long-awaited debut call-up for the Zimbabwe Cheetahs.
“It’s a major boost for the team,” Mhende said on Maguranyanga’s call-up.
“TJ (Maguranyanga) is playing at the very top level in France and most of the guys will learn a thing or two from him.
“He also has the right built and size and we hope to exploit that as the tournament unfolds,” he said.
Pools:
A: Kenya, Madagascar, Nigeria, Mauritius
B: Uganda, Burkina Faso, Tunisia, Cote d’Ivoire
C: South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Algeria
Online Reporter