Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE continent’s top sides – South Africa, Kenya, Uganda and Zimbabwe – stand on the threshold of glory as they gear for the Rugby Africa Sevens Cup which explodes at the Labourdonnais Sports Grounds, Mauritius this morning.
Collectively, the four nations have 14 Africa Cup titles between them with Kenya ahead with six, while Uganda, Zimbabwe and South Africa have four, three and one respectively.
However, all four go into this particular edition with varying ambitions.
For Ricky Chirengende and his Cheetahs’ side, it’s all about glory as Zimbabwe have set their sights on reclaiming a trophy they last lifted in 2012.
The Cheetahs were optimistic last night after coming out of the captain’s run injury free and in high spirits.
Their only obstacle was maybe adjusting to the climate and time difference between Zimbabwe and Mauritius, something Chirengende spent the last two days addressing.
“I think we are in a good space, all things considered,” said Chirengende.
“Mauritius is two hours ahead of Zimbabwean time, so we have been just trying to adjust our sleeping times to ensure that we are nice and fresh for tomorrow (today).
“Other than that, the boys are looking good after the captain’s run.
“The guys are nice and sharp and they are excited to go.
“There are no injuries or niggles and we should be firing on all fronts,” he said.
His sentiments were echoed by his skipper Tapiwa Malenga, who noted; “the boys are indeed looking good.
“We are ready to go out there and give it our all. The energy is high and we are all pumped in.
“The message to the team has been simple; focus on the process and take it one game at a time,” he said.
Zimbabwe are in Pool C alongside hosts Mauritius, Tunisia and Madagascar. The Cheetahs kick off their campaign this morning with a game against Tunisia and wrap up their group games with a tie against Mauritius around midday.
Madagascar will be their last stop for the day with an afternoon date with the islanders.
In Pool A and B is where the waters become a little murky.
“Development” will be the key word for South Africa.
The players in the Springbok Sevens ‘A’ side understand that personal goals and team objectives will need to combine if they want positive results at the tourney.
That was the assessment of Mfundo Ndhlovu, the most experienced player in the squad, as they prepare to take on Nigeria, Zambia and Burkina Faso in their Pool B fixtures.
Ndhlovu, who made his Blitzbok debut in 2018, is amongst a handful of players in the SA side who also played in last year’s event, when it consisted of two tournaments at the same venue.
“On a personal level, I am looking forward to just play rugby in a beautiful country and just enjoy and express myself,” Ndhlovu was quoted saying.
“Doing so with a Springbok badge on the chest is even better, but it does add responsibility and commitment to the task, because the commitment to the team comes first.”
As they experienced last year, the South Africans will be the team to beat but also ripe for the taking as they did not send their full-strength team.
For Kenya, this tournament will be all about redemption.
The Kenya Morans head into the tournament hoping to reclaim the continental title which carries added weight as the top two teams will secure promotion to the Sevens Division 3, as part of World Rugby’s newly introduced Sevens structure.
However, standing in their way are Uganda.
The two nations have been grouped together in Pool A alongside Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana.
Pools:
A: Uganda, Kenya, Cote D’Ivoire, Ghana
B: South Africa, Burkina Faso, Zambia, Nigeria
C: Madagascar, Zimbabwe, Tunisia, Mauritius
