adminFrom Paul Munyuki in JOHANNESBURG, South Africa
FORMER Young Sables coach Godwin “Jaws” Murambiwa feels that the Under-19 side for the Junior Africa Cup in Nelspruit, South Africa, need to take their opening game with caution if they are to write a success story.Zimbabwe open their campaign for glory with a date against Kenya, who finished third at last year’s tournament at Prince Edward School in Harare, while the Young Sables finished second after losing to bitter rivals Namibia in the final.
But this year’s competition format has changed as the games will not be played in a round robin format but on a knockout basis and a defeat at any stage would be trouble for the Young Sables.
Lance Chikodzi, Alva Senderai and Takudzwa Kumadiro are the only three players that have made it from last year’s squad while the duo of Tarisai Musakanda and Morgan Vague were dropped from the travelling party.
“The Kenyans pose a serious threat to Zimbabwe as they now have Jerome Parwater in their structures, who has experience, having played for Boland, coaching in Western Province as well as experience at Under-18 Craven Week, coaching SWD to famous wins over Free State Cheetahs and Blue Bulls.
“The first and most important thing here would be to focus on the first game against Kenya and take it one game at a time, and not to worry about Namibia.
“Of course, there are now some changes in Kenya, their structure now is more national because their junior sides are linked to senior Sevens and XVs as they have now been adopted by Western Province and have received a lot of technical help,” said Murambiwa.
Young Sables Squad:
Gabriel Sipapate, Newton Tanyanyiwa, Andrew Mataga, Alva Senderayi, Mkululi Ndhela, Takudzwa Kumadiro, Tinashe Gwisai, Malcom Maparura, Lance Chikodzi, Lloyd Mudzova, Bastien Mendelsohn, Bright Ruzvidzo, Houghton Chachoma, Michael Gazimbi, Thulani Dhliwayo, Tawanda Chipadza, Kudakwashe Nhira, Chalamagne Jaysile, Ngoni Chibuwe, Takudzwa Fransico, Nyasha Chimedza, Charles Mungwari, Kudakwashe Nhira, Sebastian Roche.
Coach: Nsikelelo Sibanda
Forwards Coach: Geoffrey Madhake
Backline coach: Marvin Chirume
Team Manager: Blessing Chitaure
Online Reporter