Andrew
Deputy Sports Editor
KUDZAI Mashawi has described the Zimbabwe Cheetahs Academy’s maiden voyage as an eye-opening experience.
Of particular interest was his conversation with his Spanish counterpart on the sidelines of last weekend’s Safari Sevens tournament in Kenya.
Mashawi met up with Spain’s captain Alejandro Alonso during the tournament’s captain’s day, and the two hit it off as they traded notes and war stories.
“We had a chance to mix and mingle before the tournament, and I remember talking to the Spanish captain,” said Mashawi.
“We spoke about training camps, playing at the different levels as we do and the prospects of learning from each other.
“We played around with the possibility of Spain coming to Zimbabwe and vice-versa, and how such training camps could benefit both nations.
“It was very productive and I think going forward such things should be taken into consideration.
“He even gave me some good advice, specifically on the Sevens game and the importance of specialising in one particular format.”
Sadly, the friendship could not continue on the pitch as both teams failed to make it to the final.
Instead, it was the host nation’s Kenya Shujaa and Germany that made it all the way, with the Africans lifting the trophy courtesy of a 12-5 win in the final.
For Mashawi and his youthful side, a 29-12 defeat to Uganda saw them finishing sixth out of a possible 12.
It is a result that left the former Churchill Bulldogs backrower gutted.
“We let ourselves down,” said the skipper. “The Cheetahs brand is a very big brand. We are a young and hungry side, and should have done better.
“Against Germany, Uganda and Kenya, we should have won those games considering the rich history the team has.
“Yes, these were seasoned teams coming up against a young team, but we had put in the work during the preparations,” he said. The trip to Kenya was not a total waste though, as there were so many lessons.
“We have since done our video analysis with the coach (Graham Kaulback) as a team and we found out that slow starts are our biggest weakness.
“There is need to go hard from start to finish, as well as taking our chances as they come and sticking to our game plans.
“There is also need to be ruthless when it comes to all patterns of defence and attack.”
The skipper was particularly impressed by the heart shown by the young team.
He singled out Ryan Musumhi as a player for the future.
“We did show plenty of heart, being able to fight back in the second halves of a few key matches,” said the Zimbabwe Sevens international.
“Also, the guys played well for the most part and could have won more were it not for the slow starts.
“Sevens rugby is a fast-paced game.
“Among the standout players for me was Ryan (Musumhi), and he is one player to look out for.
“With more game time and a lot more experience, he is sure to make an impact in the Sevens game,” he said.
When asked if he could see himself leading the senior national team sometime in the future, Mashawi did not shy away.
“Yeah, it would be an honour to one day lead the senior group,” he said.
“As much as the captaincy carries with it so many responsibilities, there are so many senior players in the team that would make it easier.
“Sharing ideas and experiences would help one grow as a leader.”
Online Reporter