By Trevor Makonyonga
The Zimbabwe under 18 rugby team will compete in the International section of the Capricorn 7s Rugby Tournament from 28-29 February 2020 in Windhoek, Namibia.
The teams will battle against Botswana, Germany, Kenya, Namibia and South Africa.
Speaking to this publication, team manager, Nyasha Muchochomi gave details on the team selection.
“We held camps last year from October to December where coaches identified 42 players with potential in the shortened version of rugby and gradually cut the team to the current 14 players. Coaches assessed players on skills, speed, endurance, range of skill set, commitment and most importantly character.
“The team has had an impressive 19days of training camps spread over 6 camps as part of selection and build up to the Capricorn 7s tournament. This is the best preparation a junior sevens team has had.”
The squad has three players; Brendon Mason, Carl Kawodza and Brooklyn Chikaka who took part in the same tournament in 2019.
Four squad players eligible for 2021 are Tanaka Ndoro, Brendon Marume, Takudzwa Musingwini and Tawanda Matipano.
Three players in Thabani Maguranyanga, Craig Synder and Tavonga Ablant who were selected in the initial 26man squad withdrew due to pressing academic commitments but have confirmed their availability for end of year tournaments.
Non-Travelling Reserves are Tadiwa Murewa, Liberty Sibanda, John Oscar and Simba Kanyangarara.
The team captain, Tanaka Ndabambi’s work ethic and positive talk at training camps has been inspirational. He will be assisted by utility player Brendon Mason who has plenty of experience from the 2019 Capricorn 7s Tournament.
The matches will be aired live on www.tv2africa.com.
