adminof their games, losing to biter rivals Namibia in the third and final match.
Their sponsors, Innscor, held a send-off cocktail for Doug Trivella and his side at Prince Edward School on Saturday evening.
Spar Zimbabwe group marketing manager in charge of corporate retail, Emmagness Ruzvidzo, hailed the spirit of rugby in this country.
“We are extremely excited to partner the future stars of Zimbabwe rugby as they take on provincial sides from South Africa.
“We look forward to seeing the development of the team and building a new era of Zimbabwean rugby talent. It is a humbling privilege to be associated talented Under-17 rugby team.
“The sport is growing each day to be a strong brand even at grassroots level and we believe there is a bright future for the country through rugby,” said Ruzvidzo.
During the handover ceremony of playing kit and a plethora of team regalia, Antony Stubbs was named the touring captain while Campbill Nyakudya will be his vice-captain.
“We are aiming to bring back three out three wins and we back ourselves to do this,” said Stubbs.
“When we went down to South Africa as Under-14s these guys were absolutely massive but things are different now in that we have caught up in terms of size and our skill levels have gone up as well.”
Zimbabwe will take on the Griquas Country Districts at the Izak Styl Stadium in their opening game on today.
The result will determine who their next opponent will be on Wednesday as the tournament is structured that winners continue to play winners.
Under-17: Michael Snook, Jeff Makoni, Edwin Nxumalo, Nigel Mpofu, Moses Gunda, Trent Hill, Ropafadzo Kwarambwa, Tinashe Muchena, Mark Hulbert, Campbill Nyakudya (vice-captain), Gregory Mhindu, Sean Edwards, Able Goremasandu, Farai Marinye, Shaun Snyder, Ackim Sibanda, George Divaris, Brian Muntanga, Daniel Landrey, Ernest Mudzengerere, Cullam du Plessis, Takudzwa Gamanya, Antony Stubbs (captain), Antoni Ciampi, Luke Shoniwa, Tamuka Pamire and Tafadzwa Shoniwa (non-traveling reserve).
Coach: Douglas Trivella
Assistant: Sebastian Garikayi,
Manager: Sean de Souza.
Online Reporter