The Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU) yesterday announced a strong 30-man training squad which will go into camp on Monday ahead of the Confederation of African Rugby Group 1A tournament in Tunisia from July 9-15.
The Sables will miss several experienced players due to injury.
Germany-based tear-away wing Manasah Sita and utility player Wes Mbanje as well as South Africa-based loose forward Njabulo Ndlovu have been ruled out of the tournament.
“We would obviously have wanted to have Sita and Njabulo for the tournament, but we have other equally talented players in the side. We also decided not to gamble with Gardner Nechironga who hasn’t been playing recently as the league in Germany is currently off-season.
“Hopefully he will be back for the Victoria Cup. In the meantime it’s a chance for the other players to stand up and be counted,” said Sables manager Losson Mtongwiza.
“We realised the impact the experienced players made in the latter stages of the match against Valke and that is why we have brought in a number of seasoned players.
“It’s nice to see guys like Alfred Sarai making a return after about four years out of the side, his experience at tight head will be crucial,”” he said.
Forwards: Denford Mutamangira, Pieter Joubert, Jakov Jakov, Kuda Kambasha, Tinashe Bopoto, Alfred Sarai, Costa Dinha, Jan Ferreira, Fortune Chipendu, Takunda Chifokoyo, Norman Mukondiwa, Shingi Mpofu, Jacques Leitao, Prayer Chitenderu, Tatenda Karuru, Brian Makamure Backs: Charles Jiji, Scotty Jones, Tichafara Makwanya, Lenience Tambwera, Daniel Hondo, Cleopas Makotose, Tangai Nemadire, Danny Robertson, Kuda Chiwanza, Gavin Nyawata, Raymond de Jong, Josh Rowe, Samson Makuku, Wes Mbanje
