adminSOUTH Africa-based and Bulawayo born Gardner Nechironga and Sanele Sibanda have been dropped from the Zimbabwe national 15s rugby side which will do battle in the Africa Cup Division 1A clash against Tunisia at Prince Edward School’s Jubilee Field on Saturday.
Nechironga, chosen on the right wing did not have a great game against Kenya at the same venue on 13 June while Sibanda scored Zimbabwe’s first try in their 28-20 triumph over Kenya. Coach Cyprian “Super” Mandenge said the two will not be required for the Tunisia match as he wants to have a look at other players.
The Sables will go into camp at Old Hararians Sports Club with a squad of 28 players from where 22 will be selected for the match.
From the 22 who took on Kenya at the same venue on 13 June, loose forwards Kingsley Lang and Shingai Mpofu are not available due to work commitments. Lang is based in the United Kingdom while Mpofu is based locally. The two formed a brilliant loose trio combination with Andrew Rose.
Sables coach Mandenge is however not having sleepless nights about the absence of Lang and Mpofu as seasoned loose forwards Jacques Leitao, Njabulo Ndlovu as well as Norman Mukondiwa have made themselves available for selection.
University of South Africa scrumhalf Hilton Mudariki is already available for Tunisia after missing the clash against Kenya due to examinations. The availability of Mudariki creates an interesting selection battle between him and Charles who played the entire 80 minutes against Kenya. Jiji did not disappoint in his return to the Sables, the player looked sharp in both defence and attack which makes it difficult for Mandenge to choose which player he starting with at number nine.
Zimbabwe Sables training squad for Tunisia match
Forwards: Denford Mutamangira (captain), Kevin Nqindi, Farai Mudariki, Lawrence Cleminson, Tatenda Murirwa, Royal Mwale, Nico Nyemba, Biselele Tshamala, Antipas Kamkwindo, Fortune Chipendu, Andrew Rose, Jacques Leitao, Njabulo Ndlovu, Norman Mukondiwa.
Backline: Charles Jiji, Hilton Mudariki, Tichafara Makwanya, Lenience Tambwera, Boyd Rouse, Stephan Hunduza, Tafadzwa Chitokwindo, Gavin Nyahwata, Tangai Nemadire, Cleopas Makotose, Jonathan McWade, Takudzwa Chieza, Tatenda Matoramusha, Tawanda Ngosi.
Online Reporter