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Brandon Moyo
ZIMBABWE Rugby Union (ZRU) have named their final 28-member squad for the 2024 Rugby Africa Cup which starts in Uganda on Saturday.
The Sables squad is made up mainly of local-based players but received a boost with stars such as Tino Mavesere and Tapiwa Mafura joining the rest of the squad during the start of the week.
It is a blend of experienced and youthful talent.
They are set to leave the country tomorrow for their East African adventure.
“With the addition of key foreign-based players to the consortium of grinding locals, the Sables are poised to mount a strong challenge for the coveted title.
“The squad is confident and determined ahead of its departure for Kampala on Thursday morning,” read a statement from ZRU.
In the past few weeks, the players have been hard at work in preparation for the continental tournament, which serves as the first step towards qualification for the 2027 Rugby World Cup that will be hosted in Australia.
Zimbabwe are scheduled to face the tournament hosts, Uganda, in their opening game on July 20 at the newly-refurbished Mandela National Stadium.
A win for the Sables will see them go on to face the winners between Namibia and Burkina Faso on July 24 in the semi-finals.
The finals are scheduled for Sunday, July 28.
Sables Squad
Forwards: Victor Mupunga, Simba Mandioma, Cleopas Kundiona, David Makamba, Kudakwashe Nyakufaringwa, Tino Mavesere, Simba Siraha, Aiden Burnett (VC), Zvikomborero Chimoto, Bryan Chiang, Bornwell Gwinji, Hilton Kamanda, Tadiwa Gwashu, Dylan Utete, Brian Nyaude, Tawanda Banda, Brian Makamure.
Backs: Hilton Mudariki (C), Ian Prior, Edward Sigauke, Kudzi Mashawi (CC), Dion Khumalo, Brandon Mudzekenyedzi, Tapiwa Mafura, Keegan Joubert, Darrell Makwasha, Trevor Gurwe, Takudzwa Musingwini.
Online Reporter