MANASAH Sita could bounce back into the Cheetahs fold ahead of the Sevens World Cup rugby finals in Russia later this month after being called up to the training squad which begins full camp on Monday, Zimbabwe Sevens manager Bruce Hobson has said.
DANIEL NHAKANISO
Hobson yesterday said the Germany-based star had returned to full fitness and was eager to prove himself to the team’s technical staff ahead of the World Cup to be hosted by Russia from June 28-30. The former Old Hararians and Old Georgians utility player, who plays for Rugby-Bundesliga side TV Pforzheim, went under the knife twice last year, but has returned to full fitness.
“Manasah Sita called me and told me that he has fully recovered and wants to be considered for selection and we have agreed to give him a chance to prove his fitness.
“He had surgery on one of his shoulders in May last year and then on the other one in August, so it had been hard for him, but he recently returned to full fitness and has been playing for his club. “So he will be coming in at the weekend to join the training squad for camp which starts on Monday and will have a chance to prove himself like everyone else,” Hobson said.
The Cheetahs, who have just over two weeks of preparations, are expecting the arrival of foreign-based players such as wingers Justin Coles and Tafadzwa Chitokwindo and forwards Tapiwa Tsomondo, Njabulo Ndlovu and Wensley Mbanje.
The squad is due to play a preparatory game at the weekend in a match which will act as the curtain-raiser for the Super Eight Schools match between St John’s College and hosts Prince Edward.
Hobson also revealed that the Cheetahs camp would be boosted by the presence of former head coach Liam Middleton, who flies in from the United Kingdom at the weekend to assist the team with their preparations.
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“Liam has always made himself available when we need his assistance. He’s not new to the side as he was the head coach of the team that played at the last edition of the World Cup. This time he’s coming over from Bristol and will be working together with the head coach Gilbert Nyamutsamba during the training camp,” said Hobson.
The World Cup in Russia will give the Cheetahs a chance to restore some lost pride after their failure to secure core status on the IRB World Series during the London Sevens in May.
Nyamutsamba’s men were drawn in Pool C where they are expected to take on giants Samoa, the Philippines and Kenya.
