Chronicle Editor
Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter
INJURY has forced wing Rufaro Chikwaira and prop Jeff Makoni to withdraw from the national rugby squad preparing for the Rugby Africa Cup in July.
Chikwaira pulled out of the Sables squad with a knee injury while Makoni withdrew after pulling a hamstring.
Sables team manager Jason Maritz said Makoni had been a late call up to assess his conditioning.
The Sables went into camp last Sunday in Harare and trained for the whole week at Old Georgians Sports Club under the watchful eye of coach Brendan Dawson.
The Rugby Africa Cup also serves as a qualifier for the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.
So far 31 players have reported for camp with more expected in the coming days.
Blithe Mavesere, Godfrey Muzanargwo, Brendon Mandivenga, George Saungweme, Royal Mwale, Shayne Makombe and Martin Mangongo are set to arrive this week while Matthew McNab, Sebastian Roche and Farai Mudariki are only expected in the country on June 6.
Zimbabwe will take on Zambia in Harare on June 2 and 5, and then clash with the Namibian Welwitschias in a home and away tie before
taking on South African club side Blue Bulls select in early July prior to leaving for Tunisia on July 12.
In Tunisia, Zimbabwe will face the Rugby Africa repechage winner on July 14 and then clash with Tunisia four days later. – @Mdawini_29
Online Reporter