By Delicious Mathuthu
The Zimbabwe national senior men’s rugby team, the Sables, has officially announced its United Arab Emirates (UAE) Dubai and South Korea end-of-year tour travelling squad which leaves the country on Saturday.
Funding, however, has limited the number of travelling players but the Sables Coach, Pieter Benade, is optimistic and aims to build on the momentum gained during the Africa Rugby Cup competpition.
Benade said he had a tough time during the final squad selection as the depth of talent available was significant.
“It has been a challenging selection for sure and what has been amazing is that the amount of people that want to play for the country has increased,” he said.
“It makes selection difficult of course with a limited squad that we are taking on tour. Given the cost to travel, we are looking forward to it,” he added.
He said with the selected side, the squad is ready to put on a good show and looking to strengthen foundations built between the squad and the coaches at the Africa Rugby Cup.
The travelling squad will see new introductions.
“We are trying to look at a couple of new faces because we’ve got ourselves a bunch of talented boys who are looking to play for the first time for Zimbabwe, and surely in a couple of years it will be exciting to see them on the pitch,” coach Benade said.
Traveling Squad List
Forwards:
Aiden Burnette
Bryan Chiang
Bornwell Gwinji
Dylan Utete
David Makamba
Godfrey Muzanarwo
Jovan Bekker
Kelvin Kanulengo
Kudakwashe Nyakufaringwa, Munashe Mhere
Simbarashe Mandioma, Simbarashe Siraha Tinotenda Mavesere
Nyasha Tarusenga
Brian Makamure
Backs:
Brandon Mudzekenyedzi
Brendon Marume
Dion Khumalo
Edward Sigauke
Hilton Mudariki (Captain)
Ian Prior
Keegan Joubert
Kudzai Mashawi (Vice Captain)
Kyle Godwin
Tadius Hwata
Trevor Gurwe
