adminMbachi Mutukula-Maregere Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE’S Goshawks got off to a slow start in their Africa Cup rugby campaign when they blew a first half lead to fall 34-23 to Nigeria in Lusaka, Zambia yesterday.
The Goshawks, a development team led 13-5 at half-time and seemed on course to begin the tournament at Lusaka Showgrounds on a high.
But coach Nsikelelo “Skyes” Sibanda’s men could not hold on against the West Africans who rallied from behind to snatch victory and maximum points.
The Goshawks took advantage of playing at the event where they filled the gap at the tournament after Cameroon failed to make it.
Yesterday’s defeat means that the Goshawks will now be under more pressure to win when they face hosts Zambia in their second assignment. ZRU general manager Sifiso Made who has travelled as the team manager believes the tournament offers a opportunity for the development side’s players to showcase their talents.
“It is good that as Zimbabwe we have a chance to see how these young players perform when they get into a more senior and international tournament given that they are also in line to compete for places in the next Sables game against Tunisia,” said Made.
This was the first time in more than a decade that Zimbabwe sent a XVs developmental side to any tournament, a move which is good for the good of the game given the exposure players need before entering the grand stage.
The most senior player in the squad is Lucky Sithole who has several caps for the Zimbabwe Sevens side — the Cheetahs — having also played at the 2013 edition of the Sevens World Cup in Moscow, Russia.
Goshawks Training Squad: Irvine Nduwo, Admire Chiku, Gideon Muyambo, Sandile Lupuwana, David Makanda, David Makamba, Ngoni Chibuwe, Urey Maphosa, Andrea Banda, MAlvin Mapurura, McLean Muhambi, Taddy Dzandiwandira, Antipas Kamkwindo, Tinashe Gwisai, Kudakwashe Chipunza, Tawanda Chowe, Josh Mutasa, Hilton Kanandu, Simbarashe Kabetabeta, Fransisco Maneka, Osborne Muhambi, Lucky Sithole, Zweluthi Velempin.
Online Reporter