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Takudzwa Chitsiga-Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE Sevens rugby teams — The Cheetahs — coach Graham Kaulback is confident that they will build a strong side that will be in a position to make an impression during next week’s Zambezi Challenge Trophy at Harare Sports Club.
The returning Delta Beverages-sponsored challenge trophy will be played over two days and Spartans of Botswana are the defending champions.
Zambia and Germany are the two nations which will also grace the tournament when The Cheetahs return to action in the second edition of the Zambezi Challenge Trophy.
Kaulback, who said no-one has a permanent place in the team, will have an opportunity to assess several other players during today’s Sables Sevens Challenge at Harare Sports Club.
Speaking at a press briefing yesterday, Kaulback said they are looking forward to the Challenge Trophy and today’s tournament will help him improve the team he has been building.
“I think we are ready for the Zambezi Challenge and it being a Trophy everyone goes into the competition with one intention which is to win. We have a good side and we will be facing top rugby nations like Zambia and Germany who are on a trajectory.
“The players have been playing well in the past tournaments held in Harare and having the Sables Challenge will give us an opportunity to take a look at other players from other provinces like Manicaland, Matabeleland North, Bulawayo and Midlands.”
The Cheetahs will battle it out against Spartans of Botswana, Zambia, Germany, Zimbabwe Under-20, Under-19 development side in next week’s tournaments.
Cheetahs captain Taddy “Boxer” Whata, who is basking in the glory of winning the Player of the Season award, said they are ready for the tournament and it will help them prepare for upcoming national tournaments.
“I think we are raring to go and the team has been on a building exercise and after taking part in more than seven tournaments over the past two months we are in the right conditions.
“The tournament will be a tough one considering that there will be international teams. Our aim is to win the trophy this time around after missing out back in April to Spartans,” said Whata.
Spartans, who are largely made up of Zimbabwean players based in Botswana, are the defending champions after winning the inaugural edition of the competition early this year.
Their title defence is expected to face tough competition from the Cheetahs who will be under pressure to impress on home soil to make amends for a disappointing World Cup campaign.
Tournament debutants Germany are also expected to be among the title favourites after a relatively successful season in which they qualified for the World Cup in Cape Town.
Online Reporter