adminShingi Mugabe Sports Reporter
TIGERS Rugby Club have named a 22-member team to travel to South Africa for the Investec International Rugby Academy training camp scheduled from December 10-16 in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.
The Eastlea-based team is comprised mainly of students from David Livingstone and Eastridge primary schools.
The youngest player is in Grade Three.
The squad will play games at the training camp against some of the local clubs like Maritzburg Rugby Club and Pioneer Rugby Club.
Coach Leeroy Mandiringa is expecting the team to perform well and is banking on players like fullback Thabo Mutombeni, Ronald Sithole, Isheunesu Kwashira and Fitz Gemba.
“I know the youngsters will perform well because most of them are naturally talented in rugby. Our youngest player Fits already has a scholarship to go to Peterhouse
“We are also trying to get another scholarship for Sithole, but he had been put on the waiting list at St George’s.
“We also have other youngsters like Kwashira the skipper Masara, Mutombeni, Mugorogodi, who is the biggest and heaviest and Gonzo the vice-captain who also play a vital role in the team,” said Mandiringa.
Masara was man-of-the-match in their 75-0 win over Queensdale Primary School, scoring 10 tries in the match in preparation for the Investec training camp.
“We played well in that game and I managed to score 10 tries for my team. It is a good feeling to contribute to the team’s success and I am looking forward to doing it again at the training camp,” said Masara.
Flanker Ronald Sithole has his eyes set on the national team.
“I am glad to be getting this chance to be part of this team. I just want to do my best and hope for the future.
“Maybe, someday, I may play for the national team and represent my country and make my country proud,” said Sithole.
Mandiringa said everyone, including the parents, was excited about the trip.
“I am excited, the kids are excited and even the parents are excited because it’s an opportunity for some of the boys to attract scouts from big South African clubs and be part of something bigger.
“We just want to get the kids out there and give them exposure and experience,” added Mandiringa.
The Tigers will be going into camp from December 4-7 with four more players from Borrowdale primary expected to join the team.
Eastridge Primary School squad:
Sean Gonzo(captain), Oliver Masara (Vice Captain), Pk Charuta, Shelton Mapfekera, Keith Chinyamunyamu, Keith Nhandara, Marlvin Ndaura, Neil Chikomo, Thabo Mtombeni and Worship Tanga.
David Livingstone Primary School squad:
Ronald Sithole, Isheunesu Kwashira, Kyle Chipoyi, Tapiwa Chikomba, Takunda Kashangura, Tonderai Chiwara, Ronald Tagalani, Panashe Mugorogodi, Emmanuel Jingo, Fitz Gemba, Nqobile Manyare and Mufaro Chari.
Online Reporter