adminPaul Munyuki Sports Reporter
AS Zimbabwe rugby braces for the international season most of the national teams are in camp preparing for their various assignments. At the moment four teams are in camp and these include women’s Sevens, Old Mutual Under-18, 17 and Under-14 sides. The Sables are set to go into camp soon while Cheetahs are in Monaco for the Olympic qualifier play-offs.The age grade teams are preparing for the South African Youth Weeks set for July, the Pangolins are expected to leave the country on Monday for their Olympic qualifier play-offs in Ireland while the Sables are bracing for the Africa Cup.
Under the guidance of Cyprian “Supa” Mandenge, the Sables first assignment is at home against Kenya on July 9.
Camp has not started well for the Zimbabwe Under-18 squad as Cuaan Zeederberg and Mazvitaishe Nyamarebvu have been ruled out due to injuries.
Godwin “Jaws” Murambiwa said they could not recover in time for the Durban July games.
“I will have a chat with other selectors and we will see how we go about that when we get into camp at Gateway on Thursday,” said Murambiwa.
Mandenge has also faced challenges.
Forwards Graham Lawler, Lawrence Cleminson, Lambert Groenewald and the backline duo of Pieter du Toit and Guy Cronje have not donned the Sables jersey since the World Cup qualifier two years ago while Andrew Rose will be out of the campaign this year.
“I sent mail communicating to the players about the season plan and their availability but they did not respond.
“I would want to have all these players at my disposal. This is a national teams and the door is still open for them.
“One (foreign) player who has been very committed to the Sables cause is Andy Rose, it is very unfortunate he is not part of the squad now and he communicated he would not be available due to work,” said Mandenge.
Under-18 Squad
Tinashe Chaza, Samuel Garnet, Cleopas Kundiona, Simbarashe Maringa, Desmond Annandale, Dillon Brain, Liam Burnett, Stuart Dodington, Peter Davis, Matthew Mcnab, Benjamin Meredith, Nqobisile Ncube, Cuan Zeederberg, Martin Mangongo, Keith Bruce, Rodney Sachiti, Adriaan Kok, Daniel Hutchings, Travis Landing, Josh Cullen, Connor Macmillan, Jeremy Munyeza, Marcus Nichole, Mazvitaishe Nyamarebvu, Tonderai Chivambutsa, Tapiwa Marimira, Tapiwa Tsikai, Tichaona Hwangwa, Garikai Mapanzure, Rangarirai Mariwa, Godfrey Magaramombe, Tendekai Chigwendere.
Sables Squad
Forwards: Denford Mutamangamira, Farai Mudariki, Kevin Nqindi, Pieter Jourbet, Brain Makamure, Keith Murray, Simba Mandioma, Graham Cochrane, Jan Ferreira, Martin Wolfenden, Sanele Sibanda, Costa Dinha, Tapfuma Parirenyatwa, Fortune Chipendu, Jacques Leitao, Alva Senderayi, Njabulo Ndlovu, Biselele Tshamala, Kingsley Lang, Tawanda Chowe, Tafadzwa Nyamugama.
Backs: Hilton Mudariki, Charles Jiji, Josh Gando, Tichafara Makwanya, Lenience Tambwera, Boyd Rouse, Riaan O’Neill, Manasah Sita, Ngoni Chibuwe, Gavin Nyawata, Tafadzwa Chitokwindo, Steven Hunduza, Kuda Chiwanza, Shayne Makombe, Gerald Sibanda, Tangai Nemadire, Lungile Tshuma, Shingi Katsvere.
Online Reporter