The national Under-20 side won the tournament last year to earn a ticket to the IRB Junior World Trophy in USA and they will be seeking to defend their African Champions title this weekend against seven other teams. The winner of the weeklong showdown will represent the continent at next year’s JRWT in Chile.
The seven nations to compete in Harare for the ticket to the global showcase are Morocco, Madagascar, Zambia, Namibia, Tunisia, Kenya and the hosts.
Zimbabwe’s Young Sables are pooled in the same group with Namibia, Tunisia and Kenya while the Select Side will fight for honours in Pool B alongside Zambia, Kenya and former champions Namibia.
Zimbabwe’s senior rugby team assistant coach, Cyprian Mandenge, who has been appointed to take charge of the Select side, watched his side go through paces in preparation of the continental gala this morning.
Mandenge is confident his side’s participation will be great exposure for the young players.
“We want to try and make sure that our youngsters use this opportunity to gain the much needed experience for future competitions. We had a large pool of players where the Young Sables side will be selected and those who will not make it will play for the Select side. So, that is good for the development of the game,” he said.
Zimbabwe Squad: Alva Senderayi, Robin Bhebhe, Houghton Chachona, Lazzie Chisaya, Tawanda Chowe, Dexter Ganga, Matthew Lawson, Kudakwashe Makuvire, Tariro Mashongamhende, Clive Musasiwa, Bruce Mwomzora, Thabani Ndaba, Daniel Rorke, Leroy Sibanda, Joshua Smallbones, Rees Surtees, Tapiwa Tsomondo, Richard Chigumba, Lance Chikodzi, Sean Dlamini, Takudzwa Kumadiro, Kudzai Mashawi, Luke Masasire, Bastien Mendelson, Tarisai Musakanda, Mkululi Ndhlela, Robert Sargeant, Michael Shoniwa, Michael Steel, Ian Surtees, Tinashe Toriro, Morgan Vangue.
Post published in: Sport