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Grace Chingoma
Senior Sports Reporter
JUNIOR Sables coach Shaun De Souza has called on the corporate world to partner with the Under-20 team as they prepare for the World Rugby Junior Trophy in Kenya next month.
The team last month won the Barthes Africa Trophy that was played in Nairobi, Kenya, and secured a ticket to the World Rugby Junior Trophy in the same country.
They are back in training in preparation for the second tier competition. The World Rugby Junior Trophy falls below the World Rugby Under-20 Championship, which is also returning for the first time since Covid-19 and will be hosted in South Africa between June and July 2023.
But in Kenya, the Zimbabwe Under-20 team will join Scotland (relegated from the World Rugby Under-20 Championship in 2019), Hong Kong (Asia), Samoa (Oceania), Spain (Europe), Uruguay (South America), and winners between USA and Canada from North America.
“We are currently reaching out for sponsorship. Any corporates that want to partner the Junior Sables are welcome,” said De Souza.
Before the Barthes Trophy sojourn, Zimbabwe Rugby Union had a combined budget of $150 000 for the Barthes finals as well as preparations for the World Junior Trophy.Yesterday, ZRU vice-president responsible for the junior teams Martin Shone said some corporate companies are willing to support the team.
The team has earmarked preparatory matches against South Africa and Kenya. This requires a budget and the Union is running around to secure sound preparations for the talented team.
Government has since pledged to support the victorious Under-20 national team.
The team was hosted by President Mnangagwa before they went and defended the Trophy in Kenya last month.
His Excellency speaking at a brief ceremony at the State House said the team deserves support in line with the Second Republic’s thrust of excelling as a sporting nation. The President said the Government will support the team financially.
De Souza and his boys began training on Wednesday. The team have also lined up preparatory matches against Old Hararians, Old Georgians and Harare Sports Club before they engage international teams.
The coach believes these matches will give him fair preparation ahead of the World Trophy which begins in Nairobi on July 15.
“We had a great start to field sessions. We have started gym thanks to Pro fitness sponsorship.
“We are playing Old Hararians this weekend OGS and HSC in the weeks to follow. We are putting together plans for South Africa and Kenya to come to Zimbabwe and play warm-up games before we leave for the World Trophy tournament,” said De Souza.
Zimbabwe Under-20 squad:
Forwards: Happias Zhou, Tadiwa Chinwada, Nqobile Manyara, Gerry Zisengwe, Gealan Jaricha, Bryan Chiang, Stanley Muranganwa, Takunda Mudzingwa, Takudzwa Zvomuya, Tanaka GondoMukandapi , Allan Mawunga, Shingirai Manyarara, Huntley Materson, Leo Mutendi, Tawananyasha Bwanya, Tanaka Ndoro, Hagler Muchenji, Godfrey Zvivanashe, Vincent Chimwendo, Kelvin Kaseke, Martin Hakunavanhu, Farai Madzima, Tamuka Kambami, Muzuva Gutu, Tendai Maruma, Tashinga Makiwa.
Backs: Panashe Zuze, Shadrick Mandaza, Simba Kanyangarara, Brendan Marume, Benoni Nhekairo, Alex Nyamunda, Dion Khumalo, Tanaka Chinyanga, Edward Sigauke, Brendan Jameson, Panashe Mugorogodi, Taona Mapani, Kudakwashe Nyamushaya, Kelton Kaseke, Tadiwanashe, Unganai, Munotida Marimirofa, Welton Charumbira, Tawanda Matipano, Cody Grant, Kholwani Moyo.
Online Reporter