BY DANIEL NHAKANISO CHEETAHS coach Graham Kaulback hopes Sam Phiri and Carlos Matematema will add a new dimension to his squad ahead of the 2022 Rugby Sevens World Cup.
The Rugby World Cup Sevens will be played at the Cape Town Stadium in South Africa from September 9 to 11.
Zimbabwe’s rugby sevens side are seeking an improved performance at the global tournament after a tough outing at the World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series in Santiago, Chile a fortnight ago.
The Cheetahs finished a disappointing eighth out of 12 to miss out on the ticket to become a core team on the World Sevens Series next season.
In a bid to strengthen his side, Kaulback has made two changes to the side.
Poland-based Phiri has bounced back into the final 12-man squad which will represent the country in Cape Town.
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The former Western Province star replaces Harare Sports Club star Tadius Dzandiwandira.
Exciting Botswana-based sweeper Pride Nyameni has been replaced by ex-Junior Sables star Carlos Matematema.
“Sam Phiri will give us a bit more physicality, height and speed both out wide and in the forwards, as he can dovetail between the two positions. This gives the side a bit of more balance with one less playmaker and one more forward or outside back which does give us more options and more punch in those areas,” Kaulback said in an interview with NewsDay yesterday.
“The second change that we have made is Pride Nyameni, who will be a travelling reserve and in his place, the exciting young talent of Carlos Matematema will get his opportunity at the World Cup. Its nothing against Pride, he’s a great character, he’s competitive and adds so much spirit, it was great to see him and give him a go on the world stage and we will keep working with him going forward. It’s a great opportunity for Carlos to show us what he can do.”
Kaulback, a key member of the Cheetahs side before his retirement and subsequent transition to coaching said his side was aiming to put on an improved overall performance after struggling for consistency during their last assignment on Chile.
Zimbabwe will be making their sixth World Cup appearance, having previously qualified for the 1997, 2001, 2009, 2013 and 2018 editions of the tournament.
The Cheetahs will face Hong Kong face Canada in a pre-round of 16 fixtures on the opening day of the event September 9.
Cheetahs squad: Kudzai Mashawi (captain), Godfrey Magaramombe, Vuyani Dhlomo, Munopa Muneta, Tapiwa Mulenga, Jafnos Chiwanza, Carlos Matematema, Ryan Musumhi, Shingirai Katsvere, Sam Phiri, Munesu Muneta, Nigel Tinarwo
Non travelling reserves: Keegan Cooke, Jerry Jaravaza, Pride Nyameni, Tadius Dzandiwandira
Head coach: Graham Kaulback
Assistant coach: Ricky Chirengende
Team manager: Tafadzwa Mhende
Physiotherapist: Margaret Gibson
- Follow Daniel on Twitter @danielnhakaniso