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Paul Munyuki Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE’S Young Sables are bullish about their chances of doing well at the Junior Africa Cup which bursts into life in South Africa next week with the Under-19 side also eyeing qualification for the Junior World Rugby Trophy qualifiers.The Africa Cup is doubling as the qualifiers for the World trophy tournament.
Last year Zimbabwe finished as runners up after losing to bitter rivals Namibia who they had defeated in the final over the last three years — making it for the JWRT in the process — but the Young Sables technical team feels they have what it takes to turn the tables around.
Despite missing the services of four key players — utility back Brandon Mandivenga, Thabani Mujeni and Tapiwa Muringani, Rukudzo Gona and diminutive Forward David Moolman — who dropped out due to different commitments, team manager Blessing Chiutare feels that they have the depth to cover for the quartet.
The four were part of the Under-1 8 side that finished in the top six of the Craven Week festival last month but the duo of Moolman and Mandivenga will not be available as they are set to undergo trials in Europe.
Muringani and Mujeni opted out due to academic commitments as they are set to write public examinations at the same time.
“We still have a solid side given the calibre of players that have been training with the side but of course their services and availability was going to make a difference for the better.
“Most of the players that we had picked from the Under-18 side will not be available for the Junior Africa Cup because of commitments at school but I am sure we will be able to pull through. South Africa forwards, strength and conditioning coach Nico de Velliers — who last year was part of the JWRT preparations — was in the country last week as he helped the side prepare for the continental tournament.
“With Nico adding value to our preparations I feel we had good workouts,” said Chiutare. Having been held in Zimbabwe over the last two years, the JWRT qualifiers will this year be played in Nelspruit in the Mpumalanga Province of South Africa who, however, do not take part in the continental competitions.
After they finished as the runners-up to Namibia last year, Zimbabwe are in the same pool with Kenya, Madagascar and Namibia as they fight to bring back the glory days when they used to take part in the world tournament.
Last year, Zimbabwe failed to qualify for the JWRT after losing to Namibia in the final at Prince Edward School having made three consecutive appearances at the world tournament and also beating Namibia in each of the three editions. Chiutare, however, feels that it is not going to be easy for the Young Sables if they are to make it for next year’s edition of the JWRT and their opening game against Madagascar will definitely have a huge impact on their outing.
A win in the first game would give the Young Sables a morale booster and enhance their chances of finishing as the top side in the four-team group where only one side will earn the right to represent Africa at the world tournament.
Young Sables Squad:
Gabriel Sipapate, Newton Tanyanyiwa, Andrew Mataga, Alva Senderayi, Mkululi Ndhela, Takudzwa Kumadiro, Tinashe Gwisai, Malcom Maparura, Lance Chikodzi, Lloyd Mudzova, BastienMendelsohn, Bright Ruzvidzo, Houghton Chachoma, Michael Gazimbi, Thulani Dhliwayo, Tawanda Chipadza, Kudakwashe Nhira, Chalamagne Jaysile, Ngoni Chibuwe, Takudzwa Fransico, Nyasha Chimedza , Charles Mungwari, Kudakwashe Nhira, Sebastian Roche. Coach: Nsikelelo Sibanda Forwards Coach Geoffrey Madhake
Backline coach: Marvin Chirume Team Manager: Blessing Chitaure
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