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Tinashe Kusema
Zimpapers Sports Hub
SHAUN DE SOUZA has to be one of the hardest-working men in Zimbabwean sport!
On one hand, the Zimbabwe Junior Sables coach has been working around the clock to put the final touches on the fourth edition of the Nedbank Rugby Challenge.
On the other hand, De Souza has been finalising the two Zimbabwe Under-20 squads due to take part in the tournament.
The annual pre-season rugby tournament, the Nedbank Rugby Challenge Cup, is scheduled for March 29-April 15, with eight teams expected to take part in this year’s competition.
These include the four top Harare-based rugby teams in Old Hararians, Harare Sports Club, Old Georgians, and Pitbulls; two provincial sides in Matabeleland and Manicaland; and the two Zimbabwe Under-20 sides. The Zimbabwe Under-20 sides have been divided into two teams, namely a Junior Sables team and a “Grassroots to Greatness” developmental outfit.
“We can finally say that the Nedbank Rugby Challenge is right around the corner,” said De Souza.
“An exciting tournament awaits us with two provincial sides (Manicaland and Matabeleland), the four top Harare rugby teams, and two Junior Sables teams.
“The action kicks off on March 29 at Harare Sports Club, which will be week one of the competition, with semi-finals and final slated for April 5 and 15, respectively,” he said.
The Nedbank Rugby Challenge is, of course, part of the Zimbabwe Under-20 squad’s preparation for the Barthes Trophy, which the country is set to host from April 17-27.
It offers the last chance saloon for most of the aspiring Zimbabwe Junior Sables players as De Souza is set to announce his final 30-member squad for the Barthes Trophy.
“We are yet to fine-tune the squads for the Nedbank Rugby Challenge, but what I can say now is the players with maturity and experience who have shown the most improvement have been pulled towards the Junior Sables squad,” said the gaffer.
“Given that the “Grassroots to Greatness” team is more of a developmental ensemble, some of the younger and inexperienced guys are an automatic pick.
“These are players who still have another year or two within the “Grassroots to Greatness” programme and, as such, this will be an opportunity for us to groom them, give them some exposure, and see how they fare.
“Overall, the Nedbank Rugby Challenge will be the final stop before we select our final 30-man squad for the Barthes Trophy, so there is all to play for,” he said.
Online Reporter