adminNamibia if they make it for the next edition of the Rugby World Cup.
The Germany-based player, who moved to Nuienhum. SC Heidelberg from South Africa a month ago, believes Zimbabwe has a vibrant junior policy.
The winger added that Zimbabwe was developing at a pace good enough to better Namibia’s performance at the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.
Namibia were knocked out of the World Cup after suffering four straight defeats to big boys South Africa (0-87), Fiji (25-49), Samoa (12-49) before a 7-81 hiding at the hands of Wales and are expected in Windhoek today. Zimbabwe made two appearances at the world stage and their last appearance was at the 1991 World Cup after the Sables beat Tunisia 24-13 in the decider.
This side included greats such as Richard Tsimba, Honeywell Nguruve, Zivanai Dzinomurumbi, Andy Ferreira, Elmon “Bedford” Chimbima and current Sables’ coach Brandon Dawson.
However, Nechironga – who was part of the Cheetahs squad that won the Bowl at the 2009 edition of the Sevens World Cup in Dubai – believes with the investment that has been put into junior rugby, Zimbabwe have a chance to qualify for the 2015 event.
“We have big chances to beat them (Namibia) in the qualifiers. I have seen them play (at the World Cup) and I think they are nothing now.
“We have a lot of players coming from the juniors who are playing well so we will be ready for them when we play them in the qualifiers,” said Nechironga.
Having put up a perfect season this year after winning all their international games with two wins over Uganda and Kenya and one over Madagascar Zimbabwe were promoted into the World Cup qualifying group. This group includes the likes of Tunisia, Kenya and Namibia and the bottom placed side from this group will be demoted to replace Zimbabwe in Pool B.
The integration of junior players into the Sables, mostly from the Under-20 side, proved a masterstroke.
Some of the players that have come through from the junior ranks include prop Brian Makamure, lock Schalk Ferreira, fullback Danny Robertson, scrummy Charles Jiji and hooker Tatenda Karuru.
Nechironga was also in top form in the 2011 international season where he was the top points’ scorer in the Victoria Cup and was named Player of the tournament in Zambia where the Cheetahs won the CAR tournament and the Castle Cup. And at the end of last week, Nechironga got recognition from his team-mates when they voted him the Sables Players’ Player of the Year. Nechironga hopes that the recognition he has earned from the Sables is a sign that he has improved his game and hopes it will inspire the young players.
“l feel good and l hope it inspires a lot of young (players) to keep on playing rugby with good attitude. The award means a lot to me it shows a big improvement to me in rugby.
“I am looking forward to the next year but all depends on my game; the more l play the more l improve and I wish to play more good rugby next year.” At Nuienhum. SC Heidelberg Nechironga joined Manasah Sita but Germany is not a rugby stronghold compared to South Africa.
“I just needed a change and to be out of South Africa but I had to think about whether coming back to Zimbabwe or going somewhere and I ended up landing here in Germany.
“The standard of rugby is good but not better than the Currie Cup in S.A, there is good competition but a bit slower rugby as it is more of a forwards game a lot.
“I think it is an advantage to Zimbabwe that I am at the same club with another Cheetahs player and we will always know each others’ play.
“I have played three games so far, won one, lost two not with a big margin and I am still getting to know how some of the players play but it’s getting better because I am playing at centre and fullback.”
Nechironga is expected to be part of the Cheetahs side that will do duty at the opening back-to-back legs of the IRB World Series in Dubai and Port Elizabeth in December.
Online Reporter