Andrew
Online Reporter
ZIMBABWE’S preparations for the Africa Cup tournament have entered the business end of things, as the Sables’ technical team has announced a 53-man squad for the Currie Cup First Division competition in South Africa.
Coach Brendan Dawson and his technical crew will be using the Currie Cup games as the final leg of their preparations for the Africa Cup, which this year will be doubling as the final qualifiers for the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.
The Africa Cup is also set for France in June.
In a bid to overcome the logistical nightmare that normally comes with having to pick a side during the course of the club season, Dawson and his lieutenants have named an extended squad that they will put through the wringer during the 12 weeks of competitive rugby.
Team manager, Jason Maritz, confirmed as much on Tuesday when releasing the squad list, which he said was a blend of youth and experience.
“We are very happy to release the wider squad today (Tuesday), after a lot of time and effort has gone through it in the background,” said the team manager.
“We have announced it as the wider squad, as we are still looking and have the door open to other players and there is a lot of communication going on at the moment.
“The team we have selected has a good blend of youth and experience, and we look to have these guys available to us during the duration of the tournament,” he said.
The squad announced comprises of 32 backline players and 21 forwards, and will take part in the Currie Cup under the tag – Goshawks.
Maritz also outlined the team’s itinerary, which includes assembling for Saturday’s Nedbank Rugby Challenge Cup final showdown at Harare Sports Club.
They will train from their bases and only regroup for departure to South Africa on March 21.
Zimbabwe will be based in Cape Town for the duration of the Currie Cup tournament, beginning with a two-week camp before their first game against Georgia on April 2.
Plans are afoot for a practice match against one of the participating provincial teams, with provisional proposals being that the game would be staged on March 26 or 27.
Dawson, enjoying a rare positive selection headache, is then expected to name his final 30-men traveling squad for the Africa Cup on May 22.
Goshawks Squad
Forwards:
Farai Mudariki, Cleopas Kundiona, Gabriel Sipapate, Doug Juszczyk, Bornwell Gwinji, Victor Mupunga, Dean Makoni, Michael Kumbirai, Demos Mbauya, Panashe Rukodzi, Tyran Fagan, Aaron Juma, Matthew Mandioma, Declan Ralphs, David Makamba, Godwin Mangenje, Kudakwashe Nyakufaringwa, George Saungweme, Godfrey Muzanargwo, Sean Beevor, Tonderai Chawambutsa, Johan Stander, Biselele Tshamala, Mungo Mason Aiden Burnett, Sebastian Roche, Nyasha Tarusenga, Kelvin Kanenungo, Blithe Mavesere, Connor Pritchard, Jason Fraser and Tapiwa Tsomondo.
Backline:
Hilton Mudariki, Kyle Galloway, Brendon Curle, Boyd Rouse, Takudzwa Chieza, Marcus Nel, Ngoni Chibuwe, Russell Dinha, Riaan O’Neil, Darrel Makwasha, Shayne Makombe, Matthew McNab, Takudzwa Kumadiro, Brendon Mudzekenyedzi, Munashe Chaitezwi, Tapiwa Mafura, Daniel Capsopoulos, Brendon Mandivenga, Tawanda Matipano and Connor Kennedy.
Online Reporter