admin
Zimpapers Sports Hub
Harare Sports Club will be the stage for a highly-anticipated double-header which features the Zimbabwe A team and the Zimbabwe Under-20s which starts today.
This series of matches serves as a crucial preparation for both squads as they gear up for their respective end-of-year and 2025 campaigns.
It is also a meeting of the minds as Shaun De Souza goes up against Piet Benade and his Zimbabwe A side.
For, De Souza and his Junior Sables outfit, today’s match is set to launch the “Grass Roots to Greatness” programme, an initiative aimed at developing young talent and ensuring the continued success of Zimbabwean rugby at the international level.
Coach Shaun de Souza has assembled a talented squad for the pre-season matches, which will provide valuable game time and assessment opportunities. The Junior Sables have a strong track record of producing top-class players, with several alumni making significant contributions to the senior Sables’ recent Africa Cup triumph.
“We are excited to play against Zimbabwe A as they prepare for their tour,” said De Souza.
“This is a chance for us to assess our players and implement our ‘Grass Roots to Greatness’ programme.”
The Zimbabwe A team, under the guidance of Pieter Benade, is also looking to capitalise on their recent achievements.
The matches against the Under-20s will provide an opportunity to evaluate returning players and assess their readiness for international competition.
“These games are important for us to prepare for international tests,” said Benade.
“We have a strong squad, including experienced players like Brandon Mandivenga, who will be crucial to our success,” he said.
Squads
Zimbabwe A
Zvikomborero Chimoto, Vuyiswa Mpofu, Edwin Nxumalo, David Makamba (C), Brian Nyaude, Dylan Utete, Tonderai Chiwambutsa, Tadiwa Gwashu, Nigel Tinarwo, Lenience Tambwera (VC), Carlos Matemai, Brandon Mandivenga, Darell Makwasha, Benoni Nekairo, Tadius Hwata, Simbarashe Sanyanga, Tawanda Banda, Jeff Makoni, Tapiwa Muburekwa, Takunda Kundishora, Nyasha Shiripinda, Wayne Kunaka, Tichafara Makwanya, Brendan Marume, Taku Chieza
Zimbabwe U20 training squad
Forwards: Emmanuel Gabi (C), Louange Mutimawurukundo, Tadiwa Chinwada, Tinashe Nyanyiwa, Tafara Dewa, Joseph Benning, Tatenda Mpagore, Samuel Edwards (VC), Joseph Thumba, Rodgers Tayengwa, Gil Mafema, Milton Murunyorova, Blessed Mukuwiri, Tadiwa Nyamukondiwa, Ian Mabuto, Wilbroad Moyo, Takudzwa Dembaremba, Elton Mwedzeka, Ndivhuwo Magumula, Mayibongwe Ncube, Tanaka GondoMukandapi, Kudzai Tsvakirai, Tadiwanyasha Bwanya, Pharrel Maziwa, Darrel Mewnzo, Seth Swales,
Backs: Joshua Bekker, Tinotenda Rusike (VC), Brendon Jameson, Tanaka Mupamhazdi, Tadiwanashe Unganai, PK Manyarara, Owen Musumhi, Tafadzwa Chataika, Dean Makweche, Tiamike Mlambo, Weston Rabvunda, Rory Honey, Tinotenda Marara, Tadiwa Maradze, Joseph Zilaka, Tatenda Kambvumbi, Brendon Gwenzi, Tinotenda Shone, Arnold Mutambanengwe, Shammah Jackson.
Online Reporter