Chronicle Editor
Innocent Kurira, Sports Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Junior Sables return to competitive action this week to face Zambia and Namibia in a series of matches for the first time since the suspension of sport was lifted.
The national Under-20 side will be away to Zambia on Saturday before hosting the same opponents a week later in Harare and travel to Namibia for two matches on June 16 and 19.
Junior Sables captain Jason Makwabarara said they had initially started training in November last year only to be stopped in January when Covid-19 cases soared.
“We have a good squad and everyone is excited to be playing rugby again. It’s an honour to be playing for this side as we continue working to become professional players,” said Makwabarara.
His deputy, Carlos Matematema, said: “It’s been a long journey for me and I’ve worked hard to be up here, and it’s all thanks to the coaches and scouts. I am very honoured to play for the junior national team and am hoping to make it to the senior national team.”
Zimbabwe last featured in the second tier World Rugby Under-20 championships when the country hosted the tournament in 2016.
Before that, the Junior Sables had qualified for three successive editions of the competition from 2010-2012.
Squad
Scotty Patson, Authur Mambanga, Declan Ralphs, Laurance Old, Runyararo Makwangure, Simbarashe Siraha, Nicholas Chipanje, Aaron Juma, Panashe Matapure, Andrew Rinomhota, Benjamin Pattenden, Ethan Wilson, Takudzwa Musengwini, Stephen Terera, Dylan Grant, Rukudzo Ndoro, Tariro Tapfuma, Liberty Sibanda, Kingstone Zinyama, Carl Kawodza, Jason Makwabarara
Head coach: Shaun De Souza
Assistant coaches: Marvin Chirume, Constantine Dinah
Manager: Hugh Vera
Match Dates
29th May (away) vs Zambia U20
5th June (home) vs Zambia U20
Game 1 16th June (away) vs Namibia U20
Game 2 19th June (away) vs Namibia U20
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