Harare Sports Club flanker Shingi Mpofu has been ruled out of the Goshawks’ friendly match against South African club Valke at Harare Sports Club tomorrow.
Mpofu, one of the stars in the senior national rugby team’s success last season, becomes the third player to be ruled out after flanker Biselele Tshamala and veteran centre Paul Staak.
Team manager Losson Mtongwiza said they had resolved to give Mpofu enough time to recover so that he would be fully fit when the team takes part in next month’s Africa Cup Group IA tournament in Tunisia.
“Mpofu has been ruled out of Friday’s match due to injury. We have decided not to risk him further aggravating the injury as we now have one eye on next month’s Africa Cup,” said Mtongwiza “This means we have three players who will not be considered for final selection, but we have enough cover as we called up an enlarged provisional squad.”
The Goshawks took part in a morning training session at Harare Sports Club before shifting to Old Hararians Sports Club for the evening session which was conducted under floodlights under the watchful eye of coach Brendan Dawson and his assistant Cyprian Mandenge.
Valke, who arrived in the country last night, were expected to have their first feel of the match venue today.
Goshawks Squad Forwards: Norman Mukondiwa, Jacques Leitao, Denford Mutamangira, Kuda Kambasha, Ruramai Kudenga, Jonathan Goosen, Devon Esbach, Pieter Joubert, Jan Ferreira, Costa Dinha, Fortune Chipendu, Simba Mandioma, Tinashe Bopoto, Samson Makuku, Witness Mandizha, Takunda Chifokoyo. Backs: Daniel Hondo, Cleopas Makotose, Tangai Nemadire, Danny Robertson, Tichafara Makwanya, Lloyd Machanjaire, Lenience Tambwera, Kuda Chiwanza, Cleopas Makotose, Wes Mbanje, Charles Jiji, Scotty Jones, Gavin Nyawata.
