Gardner Nechironga, Justin Coles rally Cheetahs

tournament next week.
The tournament is crucial for Zimbabwe who have been fighting to gain promotion into the elite Sevens league and Hong Kong provides a perfect platform for the Cheetahs to justify their quest for core membership.
This will definitely be the biggest test the Cheetahs will go through since they started playing in the IRB Sevens tournaments.
Germany-based Nechironga and England-based Coles believe the Cheetahs have what it takes to make the cut.
The top three teams in the second tier competition will qualify for core membership.
“The camp has been very good all is going on well,” said Nechironga.
“I am up for it and I want us to show that we can play better rugby in order for us to make it among the top teams and qualify for core membership.
“We have to put in a lot of effort no manner what it takes we have to make it that is why our main goal, going into this tournament, is winning all our games, we do not want to lose a thing (game).
“We have to be focussed, we believe in ourselves and we have to maintain focus in all the games we are going to play, teamwork will definitely bring us together and play a big role in our efforts to try win the tournament.
“We know what we are going to do there (Hong Kong).
“All the players here know what is expected from them but it also depends on how they are taking it as individuals, but I believe that we are on the same level and we all take it seriously.”
Before moving to Germany, Nechironga was based in South Africa and he feels the level of rugby in Germany will help him improve as a player.
“The difference now is that Germany is getting to that international stage where guys from other countries, including New Zealand, are coming to play there and the structures there are good, the system is developing so for me it’s quite an experience,” said Nechironga.
“South Africa has better rugby, of course, but Germany is coming up and the development structures they have are making the game more competitive and the atmosphere there is good, of course, except the weather.
“I was not here for the tournament (Zimbabwe Sevens international) a few weeks ago but I am sure with the training here I will be in good form and the fact that I was playing in Germany counts as well because with that I maintained fitness.”
Coles was part of the Cheetahs side that won the inaugural Zimbabwe international tournament and he feels the team deserves to be among the core members of the World Sevens Series.
“Hong Kong is really in the team’s mind and looking at the fact that we received a lot of support from our home fans, we have to pay them back by making it big in Hong Kong,” said Coles.
“We have the ability and it is very important for us if we are to get the recognition of being one of the top teams in the rugby world.
“We are a good side and we have the belief which gives us a big chance in the tournament.”
Coles, who turns 21 this year, has been enjoying life in the Cheetahs camp where he is becoming a regular feature. He is one of the young players, alongside Tafadzwa Chitokwindo, Graham Kaulback, Jonathan McWade and Mike Morris, in the team
“It has always been interesting playing for the Cheetahs given that I made my debut in Dubai at the age of 18 and playing against New Zealand was a good introduction for me to the Sevens world,” said Coles.
“With the team I have won the Shield in George and Port Elizabeth (both in South Africa in 2010 and 2011) it’s a lower achievement but it’s still a cup and the feeling has been great.
“Definitely if we win our division then this will change Sevens rugby in Zimbabwe and the mindset of the people will also change because we will be taken seriously and it is the feeling about winning that I am looking forward to.
Cheetahs Squad: Fortune Chipendu, Jacques Leitao (captain), Mike Morris, Manasah Sita, Justin Coles, Graham Kaulback, Kilvan Magunje, Daniel Hondo, Gerald Sibanda, Tangai Nemadire, Jonathan McWade, Wesley Mbanje, Njabulo Ndlovu, Gardner Nechironga.