Influential Sables fullback Danny Robertson and wing Wesley Mbanje are notable absentees in the team that leaves this afternoon for the Confederation of African Rugby (CAR) Africa Cup Group 1A tournament in Tunisia.
The tournament runs from July 9-15. The duo failed to recover from their respective injuries in time for the tournament that will also feature Kenya, Uganda and hosts Tunisia.
Robertson limped off the field in the derby between Old Hararians and Harare Sports Club with a heavily bandaged knee while Mbanje never made it into camp.
There was also no place for forwards Kuda Kambasha, Tinashe Bopoto and Alfred Sairai and backliner Samson Makuku who failed to make it into the team. Team manager Losson Mtongwizo remained hopeful that the team will remain in Group 1A.
“The injuries to Robertson and Mbanje are a set back, but we hope to finish in the top three. Failure to finish in the top three will be disastrous in the face of next year’s World Cup qualifiers,” he said. Last year, Zimbabwe won all their five matches and claimed the Victoria Cup, which involves Kenya and Uganda.
Sables spokesperson Bongai Zamchiya said after being voted the team of the year in 2011 they have set their sights higher this year.
“Last year the Sables were voted team of the year and national team coach Brendan Dawson was voted coach of the year, so the bar is now higher. This year the Sables will be out to defend the Victoria Cup and perform well in Tunisia,” he said. The rugby national team was promoted into Group 1A following their performance last year, which saw them beat Uganda and Madagascar.
The Sables are coached by Brendan Dawson and Cyprian Mandenge.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
Sables Squad Forwards: Denford Mutamangira, Pieter Joubert, Jakov Jakov, Costa Dinha (Captain), 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, Kuda Chiwanza, Raymond de Jong, Josh Rowe.
