Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema
Zimpapers Sports Hub
TATENDA KAMUBVUMBI has earned a shock call-up to the Zimbabwe Sables squad for the World Rugby Nations Cup after impressing during the build-up.
The 20-year-old utility back was named in coach Piet Benade’s squad at Thursday’s night’s send-off dinner hosted for the senior side, joining seasoned campaigners like captain Hilton Mudariki, Farai Mudariki, Edward Sigauke and Aiden Burnett.
“I think it’s not something that I was expecting. This is big for me, and I am really grateful for this opportunity,” Kamubvumbi said.
“Coming from the Junior Sables Under-20, I thought it would be almost impossible with all the talent in the country.
“My brothers supported me and kept pushing me. They made me believe I can be part of this team going to the Nations Cup and the World Cup as well.”
Comfortable at wing, fullback and fly-half, Kamubvumbi is targeting the No.10 jersey.
He faces competition from the more experienced Bruce Houston, Ian Prior, Takudzwa Musingwini and Jason Robertson.
But Benade has been key in helping build his confidence, and the young players acknowledged as much.
“He has given me the licence to be myself and try things. He always tells me, “you are a natural 10” and with time it helped my confidence,” Kamubvumbi said.
The Sables are expected to leave for the US this afternoon.
Zimbabwe open their Nations League campaign with a date against Tonga on July 4, before facing hosts US on July 11 and Canada on July 18.
Kamubvumbi did not feature in last weekend’s 40-0 loss to South Africa A but said watching from the bench was invaluable.
While he did not play a part in the 40-0 loss to South Africa A, he took class.
“I remember I was really happy just being there with the rest of the squad in South Africa last weekend,” he said.
“While I did not play, I was there because I was in the squad.
“I saw everything that was going on, and I was taking notes, learning from the bigger guys and seeing how the game is played at a higher level.
“It was a good experience.
“You know, we grow up watching the Springboks playing, mostly watching them on the television.
“But here I was, watching them live, sitting on the bench there.
“It was really a big thing for me, and I learnt a lot,” he said.
“Tonga will be tough, but I believe we will perform better than against South Africa A.
“The two sides play similar rugby, and the lessons from last week will serve us well.
“We should be able to win one of the games against the US and Canada,” he said.
Zimbabwe Squad
Victor Mupunga, Tijde Visser, Tyrone Gombe, Simba Mandioma, Liam Larkan, Bryan Chiang, Cleopas Kun-diona, Farai Mudariki, Michael Kumbirai, Gary Porter, Tadiwanashe Gwashu, Kudakwashe Nakufaringwa, Blithe Mavesere, Dylan Utete, Godfrey Muzanargwo, Simba Siraha, Jason Fraser, Aiden Burnett, Hilton Mudariki, Keegan Joubert, Ian Prior, Bruce Houston, Edward Sigauke, Kudzai Mashawi, Brandon Mudzekenyedzi, Dion Khumalo, Trevor Gurwe, Matthew McNab, Tapiwa Gurwe, Tapiwa Mafura, Bornwell Gwinji, Takudzwa Musingwini, Jason Robertson
