Online ReporterTinashe Kusema
Zimpapers Sports Hub
IT was a bittersweet day for Tapiwa Zhanda as the South Africa-based forward was forced to watch haplessly as his Zimbabwe Junior Sables teammates departed for Uganda yesterday.
The Zimbabwe Under-20 rugby team left for Uganda ahead of the start of the Barthes Trophy tournament at the Mutesa II Stadium in Kampala. It is the second year in a row that the Kingswood College captain has been forced to withdraw from camp due to injury.
Back problems stalled his trip last year. This time around, it was a wrist injury.
“Absolutely gutted,” said Zhanda.
“Last week, we had a warm-up match, and I broke a few bones in my hand.
“I had to get surgery almost immediately to repair the damage.
“I really wanted to be part of the team and take part in the Barthes Trophy.
“I’ve been with the boys since the Abu Dhabi tour in December last year and put in the work to make the team.
“Unfortunately, it was not to be, as once again I got injured.
“Now, I am absolutely gutted,” he said.
Coach Shaun De Souza announced his travelling party at a glittering send-off ceremony at Harare Sports Club last Sunday.
The travelling squad is being led by co-captains Munangi Kamwendo and Takudzwa Matsvimbo, while the duo of Connor Lovatt and Vimbiso Kasvosve will serve as vice-captains. De Souza retained as many as six players from his 2025 squad for the Barthes Trophy that was held on home soil. Among those retained are members of the leadership core, as well as the duo of Nyasha Ngwarati and Rufaro Shenje.
However, De Souza also took time to acknowledge his non-travelling duo of Mudiwa Mtemererwa and Zhanda.
It was a gesture that hit hard on Zhanda in particular, as the former Peterhouse student was touched by the recognition.
“The acknowledgment for him is probably a small gesture, but for me, it meant the world,” said Zhanda.
“Sport can be cruel sometimes, as one can push themselves, work hard, and sacrifice time and sleep, but in the end, things don’t work out.
“You just have to roll with the punches.
“But having the coach acknowledge you like that makes it hurt less.
“That is the vibe in the team — we are a family. “I’ve met a wonderful group of people here, in particular, Coach De Souza.
“He focuses on each specific player and knows them both on and off the pitch.
“So, like I said before, this acknowledgment might be small to him, but it means the world to me,” he said.
De Souza also gave a brief insight into squad selection.
“The thing is, people don’t realize when guys look at the media, and they see the team lists. Everyone has a lot to say about who’s been left out and who made it.
Squad:
Obinna Nweke, Vimbiso Kasvosve, Nyasha Ngwarati, Sibusiso Sibanda, Kudakwashe Kachambwa, Blessed Mukuwiri, Bongani Msipa, Cyril Cherayi, Tavonga Chirisa, Kudzai Sakirai, Mthabisi Ndlovu, Rufaro Shenje, Prosper Zimbango, Joshua Mbanefo, Brendon Musekiwa, Zane Sibanda, Connor Lovatt, Tanaka Masawi, Denzel Dhave, Joshua Littlewood, Michael Chimedza, Joshua Chitehwe, Donnell Muyaka, Philip Chimhaka, Nasha Nyakujarah, Cur-tis Mashonganyika, Rukudzo Mandinga, Wayne Ganniwa, Munyaradzi Nyabvute, Munangi Kamwendo, Takudzwa Matsvimbo
