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Innocent Kurira, Sports Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Cheetahs have two injury concerns heading into the Zambezi Challenge which gets underway at Harare Sports Club tomorrow.
According to Cheetahs team manager Tafadzwa Mhende, the team is ready for battle besides the injury worries.
“We have prepared well. Godfrey Magaramombe and Takudzwa Kumadiro have hamstring concerns but they trained yesterday, hopefully they will be fit to play. The youngsters have also prepared well,’’ he said.
The Cheetahs, as the national sevens side is popularly known, are desperate to do well in the second edition of their home tournament after a disappointing campaign during the inaugural event in April.
After being knocked out in the semi-finals by Botswana club Spartans, the Cheetahs had to settle for third position.
The Gaborone-based club, which features a number of Zimbabwean players on their roster, went on to be crowned the winners of the regional two-day competition after beating Zambia 26-14 in a rain-drenched final.
Zimbabwe Rugby Union announced gate charges for the Zambezi Sevens Challenge set for Harare Sports Club. Fans will have to part ways with US$5 for the two-day rugby festival taking place on Saturday and Sunday.
The returning Delta Beverages-sponsored challenge trophy will see Spartans of Botswana who are the defending champions battle against the Cheetahs, Cheetahs Academy, Zambia and Germany.
Graham Kaulback, the Cheetahs coach, will use the Zambezi Challenge to make his final selection for the Dubai Sevens in the United Arab Emirates at the beginning of December. His assistant, Ricky Chirengende is in charge of the Cheetahs Academy.
The Cheetahs’ last international action was in September when they took part in the Rugby World Cup Sevens held in Cape Town, South Africa, where they finished 23 out of the 24 men’s teams at the tournament.
For the Dubai Sevens, the Cheetahs will have a new captain after skipper Kudzai Mashawi retired at the end of last month.
Teams
Cheetahs: Godfrey Magaramombe, Tadius Dzandiwandira, Kudakwashe Chiwanza, Takudzwa Kumadiro, Kudakwashe Nyamakura, Alex Nyamunda, Edward Sigauke, McLean Muhambi, Carlos Matematema, Ryan Masumhi, Nigel Tinarwo, Dion Khumalo
Cheetahs Academy: Prince Ncube, Darrel Makwasha, Phillip Ehlers, Hagler Muchenje, Tadiwa Nyamundanda, Marlon Guwuriro, Shadreck Mandaza, Nathan Tanyanyiwa, Jordean Coombes, Gamuchirai Nekati, Brian Dube, Taku Mundandishe.
— @innocentskizoe
Online Reporter