tawandamusarurwa
Tinashe Kusema
Deputy Sports Editor
ZIMBABWE rugby Under-20 coach Shaun de Souza says announcing the squad for the Junior World Trophy gave him goosebumps last week, as he reflected on the talent at his disposal.
“Going through that list . . . gave me goosebumps,” said De Souza.
“As we put the names together (with the technical team), we were looking at specific traits and key areas that we wanted to focus on when we resume our preparations.
“After compiling the full list and going through it again, it’s amazing just how much talent we have in Zimbabwe . . .
“It was hard just to come up with that list.”
He, however, believes it was a “good headache” to have.
Both critics and fans seem to agree on the shortlist.
It seems the coach prioritised the inclusion of players who had missed out on the recent trip to Kenya for the Barthes Trophy, either through injury or university commitments.
This saw Tawanda Matipano, Munotida Marimirofa, Cody Grant and Brendan Jameson being considered.
“For me, I basically look at buy-in, and these are players who accept and are willing to go the extra mile for the cause or vision.
“I want to see the commitment and the will to want to improve,” he said.
“These are just a few of the traits I looked at, but there were areas that I also believe needed attention.
“Just looking at the squad, we have about eight props that are in the squad but we will only travel with five.
“The eight are all capped Under-20 players, and dropping three to non-travelling reserves will mostly foster competition.”
The Junior Sables are expected to regroup on Wednesday, after a two-week break, following their successful defence of the Barthes Trophy.
But the tournament in Kenya also came with its fair share of injuries.
Physiotherapist Anne Butau has been busy putting those with knocks and niggles on the mend.
Players such as Alex Nyamunda (dislocated finger), Bryan Chaing (ankle), Allen Maunga (ankle) and Panashe Mugorogodi (groin strain) are still on the treatment table.
As part of their preparations, the Junior Sables have also lined up some warm-up games against Old Georgians, Harare Sports Club and Old Hararians.
There is also a proposed tri-series against South Africa and Kenya on the cards.
“The plan, going forward, is that we have extended our recovery window and resume training on Wednesday.
“We have got three games, consecutively, and we will work and prepare for those fixtures.
“The plan is to play against OGs, Sportivo and OH during the first three Saturdays of our camp and then train on Sundays.
“We have also proposed a tri-series against South Africa, who are preparing for the World Junior Championships, and Kenya, who will be with us at the Junior World Trophy.
“It is yet to be confirmed but we remain hopeful that we can host and play those two African giants,” De Souza said.
Squad:
Forwards:
Happias Zhou, Tadiwa Chinwada, Nqobile Manyara, Gerry Zisengwe, Gealan Jaricha, Bryan Chiang, Stanley Muranganwa, Takunda Mudzingwa, Takudzwa Zvomuya, Tanaka GondoMukandapi (VC), Allan Mawunga, Shingirai Manyarara, Huntley Materson, Leo Mutendi, Tawananyasha Bwanya, Tanaka Ndoro, Hagler Muchenji, Godfrey Zvinavashe, Vincent Chimwendo, Kelvin Kaseke, Martin Hakunavanhu, Farai Madzima, Tamuka Kambani, Muzuvu Gutu, Tendai Maruma, Tashinga Makiwa
Backs:
Panashe Zuze (captain), Shadrick Mandaza, Simbarashe Kanyangarara, Brendan Marume (vice captain), Benoni Nhekairo, Alex Nyamunda, Dion Khumalo, Tanaka Chinyanga, Edward Sigauke, Brendan Jameson, Panashe Mugorogodi, Taona Mapani, Kudakwashe Nyamushaya, Kelton Kaseke, Tadiwanashe Unganai, Munotida Marimirofa, Welton Charumbira, Tawanda Matipano, Cody Grant, Kholwani Moyo
Online Reporter