adminPaul Munyuki Sports Reporter
CHEETAHS coach Gilbert “Gidza” Nyamutsamba says he is not looking at having a competitive squad in the next two years. He is concentrating on a youthful side that needs more experience and exposure at international level. Nyamutsamba says his biggest task is not the Confederation of African Rugby tournament that Zimbabwe is set to host at the end of next month.
Neither is he looking at getting core membership of the Sevens Series in Hong Kong next year.
He feels his main mission is to develop a side competitive enough to be among the big boys of World Sevens Rugby in two years.
A number of players resigned, are past their prime or were sidelined following the 2013 World Cup and these include Daniel Hondo, Wes Mbanje, Fortunate Chipendu and Garth Ziegler.
Stephan Hunduza, Brandon Boshi, Hilton Mudariki, Biselele Tshamala and Lenience Tambwera made their debuts for the Cheetahs in the last 10 months.
“We need to get back to that international level we had been over the past years, but it is not an overnight event, it’s a process and will take some time,” said Nyamutsamba.
“And that is why we are looking at two years because the players will need to get used to each other, need more game time, experience, exposure and fitness among other things.
“We are at a stage where we are recreating the side because a number of players left last year and the main focus is the 2017 World Cup so we will have to give our best in all the tournaments we will play in.
“We will go and compete in Hong Kong, not particularly aiming to win the competition although we might have a chance to do so.
“We might need to bring in the more senior guys so that there is a gradual improvement as they will give a solid base to the team, both experience and youth are needed for development.”
Having won the right to host this year’s edition of the Sevens Africa Cup, Nyamutsamba feels there are a lot of benefits for Zimbabwe rugby.
“Our players will feature in a big tournament in front of their home crowd who don’t often get to see them play and we will have a chance to field more teams and have a look at other (fringe) players and what they are capable of doing in such conditions,” said Nyamutsamba.
“I am also happy that more people have shown an interest to play because we are hosting the tournament, administrators are positive and the momentum has just started to pick up.
“What we are going through (rebuilding) is the same thing other national teams have gone through as well.”
Nyamutsamba feels they have to clear some hurdles.
“Our biggest challenge is that we are not able to bring all the players to a central place for a camp,” said Nyamutsamba.
“I would prefer a situation where all the players come together once in a while and that we camp for longer and that is not an excuse (for under-performing) but funds are an issue.
“However, preparations are on with training schedules for those who are interested or feel they can make it for the Cheetahs in both Harare and Bulawayo, continuing through to the end of the Summer Series.”
The Africa Cup has been set for November 30.
Online Reporter