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AFTER missing out on the Rio 2016 Olympic Games qualifiers last month Cheetahs captain Hilton “Rihanna” Mudariki is back in the squad following a two month lay-off due to a hamstring injury he picked in Kenya. Mudariki will be back to lead his charges at the Cape Town leg of the World Sevens Series that gets underway next weekend and he is one of the three changes that coach Daniel Hondo has made to the Cheetahs side that failed to qualify for the Olympic Games after losing to Kenya in the final last month.
Germany-based Manasah Sita, Tafadzwa Chitokwindo and Kilvan Magunje are out while Mudariki, Kudakwashe Chiwanza and young Takudzwa Francesco make a return also having missed out on the qualifiers.
The University of Johannesburg scrummy says he cannot wait to don the Cheetahs jersey again in a tournament he believes they will learn a lot ahead of next year’s crucial tournaments. “It feels so good to be back I can’t wait to represent my country again . . . it’s almost like I’ve been called up for the first time.
“It was stodgy watching from the sideline and not being able to contribute, but I can’t wait to get back on the park. I think this (Cape Town Sevens) tournament will be good for us with the Hong Kong Sevens early next year and the Olympic qualifier play-offs in mind.
“We have an opportunity to test ourselves against some of the core sides who will give us good competition and game time which can only be good for us going forward.
“The last two occasions haven’t been great for us in South Africa so we are hoping to improve on our performance and to do well there,” said Mudariki.
Cheetahs Squad
Jacques Leitao, Njabulo Ndlovu, Tapiwa Tsomondo, Riaan O’Neill, Kudakwashe Chiwanza, Boyd Rouse, Graham Kaulback, Stephan Hunduza, Lenience Tambwera, Shayne Makombe.
Online Reporter