adminYOUNG Sables captain Connor Pritchard believes his side will have to put up a better performance at the World Rugby Under-20 Trophy tournament compared to the display they put up at the Junior Africa Cup last year if they are to impress at home.
The World Rugby Under-20 Trophy tournament is scheduled to run from April 19-May 1 at Harare Sports Club with the finals set for the National Sports Stadium on May 1.
Zimbabwe suffered an extra-time last-minute defeat to Namibia in the final of the Junior Africa Cup last year and Pritchard believes the loss came with a number of lessons that have motivated them to work hard.
“From last year’s final defeat against Namibia we drew a number of lessons, one of them being that it’s never over till it’s over and losing in the last minute was very painful. If by any chance we play Namibia again at this tournament then we will show them who the big brother is.
“We have been training very hard for this world tournament because those games are a big step for us. We have been in good hands given the coaches we have the likes of Brandon Brider and assistant Bob (Mahari),” said Pritchard.
Zimbabwe were drawn in Group A of the global youth tournament, a group that also includes the Pacific Ocean islanders duo of Samoa and Fiji and South American champions Uruguay; and according to the blind-side flanker they are aiming to better previous performances. “We are obviously not expecting to come out first but it would be good if we work our hearts out and try win as many games as we can. I think we are in the harder of the two groups but we will not let down our side. We need to play to the best of our abilities in every challenge we face. “The good thing about our team is that the vibe is good, we all get along well because for us to achieve any goal, the team has to be close and tight and that is exactly how we are and that makes us a good team,” Pritchard said.
Following their tour of South Africa in the pre-tournament games, the Young Sables squad is in camp at St George’s College and coach Brandon Brider is also expected to name his final 26 and six other non-travelling substitutes for the week-long tournament.
“We have a lot of players here but it is unfortunate not everyone is going to make it into the squad but we will have to pick the 26 who can play at a higher level and the other six who come in as the non-travelling subs,” said Brider.
Last night, the Young Sables were engaged in a practice match against Old Georgians Sports Club where the technical team largely were focussed on set-pieces, ball retention and forward play.
Young Sables Squad
Forwards: Connor Pritchard, Cole Bond, Aiden Burnett, Tanaka Chikwezvero, Tinashe Gonese, Ronald Jiri, Muchineripi Mangenje, Justin Mendelsohn, Rodrick Mubaiwa, Tinotenda Musasanura, Kudakwashe Ndoro, Martin Shioma, Panashe Sora, B. Muntanga, S. Bhasera, J. Makoni, L. Kenny, S. Magwenzi, Ndaba, Bwerinofa, T. Zhoya, C. Butler, D.Nyamugama, L. Ngwenya, T. Muchena, K. Chisango, T. Mangwan.
Backs: Russell Dinha, Tadiwa Gochera, Shingirai Katsvere, Mudiwa Manhombo, Tatenda Matoramusha, Joshua Gando, Ernest Mudzengerere, Tawanda Ngosi, Matthew Ushewokunze, Ngoni Zinyama, C. Nyakudya, R. Elliot, M. Muswaburi, K. Kazembe, M. Musvaiburi, G. Mavara, Maupah, Phiri, R. Chionyere, F. Murinye, T. Mapfumo, K. Munangi, D. McRoberts, T. Vheriwa, A. Bruce, T. Moses,T. Gamanya. – sportszone.co.zw
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter