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Mbachi Mutukula-Maregere Sports Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Under-19 side for the Junior Africa Cup, which also serves as a Junior World Rugby Trophy qualifier, are pinning their hopes on a formidable front row. One of their front rowers is prop Farai Mudariki, who was part of the Sables side that played in the World Cup qualifiers against eventual winners Namibia, hosts Madagascar and Kenya.
Zimbabwe Under-19 rugby chairman Aaron Jani says their front row will be their major weapon in Namibia from August 26-30.
“We have a formidable and experienced front row, a prop like Farai Mudariki, who played for the Sables in the World Cup Qualifiers in Madagascar and Russia and Gabriel Sipapati from Churchill who played in Middleburg last year.
“The national Under-19 side features several players who were part of last year’s Craven Week squad such as Jabulani Mutukwa, Thabani Mujeni, Brendon Boshi and Daniel Moolman.
“Mujeni, a hooker who was at the Saints last year, was one of the stars at Craven Week and is also another good player.
“It is disappointing we lost Brandon Mandivenga to commitments in England, Zietsman the nippy centre from Falcon who withdrew for personal reasons and Mbasera the solid prop and captain from Falcon College who also withdrew for personal reasons.
“But the team still looks good, we have Sipapati,Nhira, Tanyanyiwa, Mhembere, Mwayera and Gwisai who are equally good,” said Jani.
Provisional Squad
Francis Mungwari, Justine Zietsman, Godknowns Mavara, Brezhnev Mabuto, Fransou Chikukwa, Reezwan Shahadat, Ronald Jiri, Nyasha Chinorwadza, Brian Nyauhude, Farai Mudariki, Gabriel Sipapati, Kudakwashe Chipunza, Thabani Mujeni, Kudakwashe Nhira, Kelvin Chikanya, Sean Mwayera, Tinashe Gwisai, Huho De LaFargue, Kudakwashe Kazembe, Munyaradzi Mashaya, Tawanda Ngosi, Shepherd Mhembere, Newton Tanyanyiwa, Justin Coles, Jabulani Mutukwa, Tanaka Chikwezhere, Nyasha Tarusenga, Thulani Dhliwayo, Dlelo Velempini, Tinashe Mangwanani, Shane Snater
Asst Coach backline – Marvin Chirume
Asst Coach forwards – Jeff Madhaki
Manager – Blessing Chiutare
Online Reporter