THE Sables technical team yesterday announced a strong 25-member team that leaves the country today for a three-nation tournament to be hosted in Namibia.
KEVIN MAPASURE SENIOR SPORTS REPORTER
The Sables have been struggling for funds to make successful this trip and after uncertainty that hung over the important participation by the African champions, they will depart Harare this afternoon after the timely intervention of the International Rugby Board.
Zimbabwe will play its first match against Namibia on Saturday before they take on Spain in the second and final encounter next Friday. Team manager Losson Mtongwiza acknowledged that they encountered a tough time in coming up with the final travelling squad due to stiff competition.
“It was very difficult to come up with this squad as competition was very high for positions,” said Mtongwiza. “We eventually took 25 players. We will play Namibia on Saturday at 4pm and Spain on 14 November at 6pm. The team will return on November 16. We are very grateful to the International Rugby Board who have paid for travel and accommodation so that we can make the trip. This trip will be important in that we are getting a chance to play other teams that are ranked above us, Spain is ranked 20th in the world, while Namibia is ranked number 22.”
Zimbabwe has seen an upward mobility in the rankings where they have since stormed into the top 30 at number 29.
Squad Tapiwa Mangezi, Pieter Joubert, Vakai Hove, Royal Mwale, Costa Dinha, Jan Ferreira, Tinoziva Chinobva, Biselele Tshamala, Fidel Nyabusa, Lucky Sithole, Takunda Chifokoyo, Samson Makuku, Scotty Jones, Philimon Machisa, Lenience Tambwera, Tichafa Makwanya, Wesley mbanje, Japhet Ndebele, Daniel Hondo, Danny Roberts, Shane Makombe, Gavin Nyawata, Tangari Nemadire and Gardner Nechironga.
