Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema, [email protected]
THE Zimbabwe Rugby union could announce the Sables squad for the South Africa A clash as early as next week as preparations gather momentum ahead of the high-profile encounter at Nelson Mandela Stadium on June 20.
The Sables are currently in South Africa for the final phase of their Stellenbosch training camp, where coach Piet Benade is assessing players before naming his final squad for both the South Africa A match and the World Rugby Nations Cup.
Indications are that the core of the squad selected for the South Africa A fixture could largely remain intact for the Nations Cup, with only a few possible changes expected.
Zimbabwe face a demanding schedule in the coming weeks, with the Stellenbosch camp giving Benade an important opportunity to work closely with foreign-based players who have now become available following club commitments in Europe and South Africa.
Zimbabwe Rugby union Interim Management Committee general manager Takunda “TJ” Chifokoyo said the national team was entering a crucial stage of preparations, with major selection decisions expected soon.
“We are very much relieved that most of our top tier talents’ schedules have started to free, particularly those in the Europe and South Africa, as you can see from the players called in. Our biggest hurdle has always been regulation nine which give powers to club and allows us only to call in guys during the international windows.
“It is a huge positive to have some of our top and new guys in camp as it allows coach Benade a chance to have a look at them before making his final squad selection,” he said.
Chifokoyo said the announcement of the final squad could come within days.
“You can expect that anytime from the end of the week to early next. Everything is riding on the Stellenbosch camp where Benade has most of the players he wanted in. Yes, there are still a few players who failed to get their releases on time with guys like Cleopas Kundiona expected to come in at the end of the month or just in time for the Nations Cup.
“The list we were handed by the Sables technical team is not yet complete as there are still other players who will likely miss the July window. We hope to call them up later, say the November window, so Benade and his team can have a look at them,” he said.
The training squad currently camped in South Africa reflects Benade’s focus on strengthening the team with foreign-based talent and assessing new combinations ahead of an important international season. Only eight locally-based players made the training squad — Jeff Makoni, Tadiwanashe Gwashu, Aiden Burnett, Brendan Mason, Tatenda Kamubvumbi, Kudzai Mashawi, Darrell Makwasha and Trevor Gurwe.
Several new faces have also been included in the camp, among them Tude Visser, Dale Lemon of Hartpury in the United Kingdom, Gary Porter of the DHL Stormers in South Africa, Daniel Cooke of Chinnor RFC in the UK and Bruce Houston of USBPA Rugby in France.
The coaching team is expected to assess the newcomers closely as Zimbabwe seek to build a stronger and more competitive squad ahead of upcoming international assignments.
Experienced players Farai Mudariki and Martin Mangongo have also returned to the Sables set-up after earning recalls to the national team.
Sables training squad
Forwards: Victor Mupunga, Tude Visser, Jeff Makoni, Matthew Mandioma, Liam Larkin, Bryan Chaing, Farai Mudariki, Bornwell Gwinji, Michael Kumbirai, Dale Lemon, Gary Porter, Blithe Mavesere, Daniel Cooke, Dylan Utete, Tadiwanashe Gwashu, Aiden Burnett, Simbarashe Siraha
Backs: Hilton Mudariki, Keegan Joubert, Tyrone Gombe, Bruce Houston, Edward Siguake, Brendan Mason, Tatenda Kamubvumbi, Kudzai Mashawi, Darrel Makwasha, Dion Khumalo, Trevor Gurwe, Martin Mangongo, Tapiwa Mafura, Brendon Mudzekenyedzi
