Young Sables expected in USA

In France, Zimbabwe beat the Castres Olympique Academy 32-19 with tries from Justin Coles (two), fullback Victor “Jackie” Mushoriwa, centre Takudzwa Chieza and prop Ian Muza added a try apiece while captain Sean Linfield added a penalty and two conversions.
Initially, Zimbabwe were set to play two games in France, but the second game was cancelled and this saw the tourists getting technical assistance from the professional coaches at Castres Olympique before connecting to the United States.

This year’s preparations are by far Zimbabwe’s best for the world stage as they were backed by Government funding with technical support facilitated by the International Rugby Board.
First, South African forwards and strength and conditioning coach Nico de Villiers arrived to help before Australian rugby legend, David “Campo” Campese, also joined the technical team.

The Young Sables were also hosted by President Robert Mugabe at the State House where they received US$50 000 that helped them in their preparations.
And today they will be landing at the Salt Lake City Airport for a mission they hope will be successful as Chivandire and his assistant Godwin “Jaws” Murambiwa aim for a top six finish.

This is the third time that Zimbabwe have qualified for the tournament after winning the Junior Africa Cup three consecutive times.
Chivandire believes his side can perform well while Under-20 chairman, Aaron Jani, says there is no room for excuses.
There are quite a number of experienced players in the Young Sables squad and winger Justin Coles is part of the Cheetahs Sevens side together with rookie James Forrester.

The duo were part of the Zimbabwe side that took part at the IRB Sevens Scotland tournament with Forrester earning his first cap as a replacement for injured Manasah Sita.
Coles was also part of the Under-20 side that played in Georgia last year and knows the task that awaits his side in a tournament they will also play Japan.

“I think we have got to get past the mentality that if we win a game we have done well in this tournament . . . We need to try and win as many games as we can and put ourselves on the world map.

“There is no point in us going to this tournament just happy to be there and treating it like a holiday, which has happened in the past.
“We have got to be actually competitive and make a name for ourselves as Zimbabwe Under-20s.
“It (the JWRT) may be considered to be at a lower level than the Sevens but the rugby is going to be very competitive.
“It is my last time with the Under-20s and I am looking forward to a good tournament,” said Coles.