Zimbabwe Sables Head Coach Piet Benade,on Thursday afternoon, named a 44-man training squad ahead of the 2024 Rugby Africa Cup tournament in Uganda later this month.
Western Force halfback Ian Prior and France-based prop Victor Mupunga headline the squad alongside Tinotenda Blithe Mavesere, who won the EPCR Challenge with Sharks, and the experienced talisman Hilton Mudariki.
“We are excited to be heading to Uganda for the Rugby Africa Cup,” said Coach Benade.
“We have selected a strong squad that is capable of winning the tournament. We know it will be a tough challenge, but we are confident that we can cause an upset.”
Zimbabwe will open their account in the Rugby Africa Cup with a match against the hosts, Uganda, on 18th July.
2024 sees the start of the 2027 Rugby World Cup cycle as all eight teams want to avoid relegation and be able to compete in the 2025 edition, whose winner will earn a direct ticket to RWC 2027 in Australia.
The teams competing in the 2024 Rugby Africa Cup are Uganda, Kenya, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Burkina Faso, Senegal, Algeria and Cote d’Ivoire.
Sables training squad for Africa Cup:
Forwards: Aiden Burnett (VC), Tino Mavesere, Bornwell Gwinji, Brian Makamure, Brian Nyaude, Bryan Chiang, Cleopas Kundiona, David Makamba, Dylan Utete, Hilton Kamanda, Huntley Masterson, Jeff Makoni, Kudakwashe Nyakufaringwa, Liam Larkan, Neil Mawere, Sean Beevor, Simba Mandioma, Simba Siraha, Tadiwa Gwashu, Tanaka Mpofu, Tapiwa Tsomondo, Tawanda Banda, Victor Mapunga, Vuyani Dhlomo, Zvikomborero Chimoto.
Backs: Hilton Mudariki (C), Benoni Nekairo, Brandon Mudzekenyedzi, Carlos Matematema, Darell Makwasha, Dion Khumalo, Gamuchirai Nekati, Godfrey Magaramombe, Ian Prior, Keegan Joubert, Kudzi Mashawi (CC), Munyaradzi Ngandu, Tadius Dzandiwanzira, Takudzwa Kumadiro, Takudzwa Musingwini, Tamuka Pamire, Tapiwa Mafura, TJ Maguranyanga, Trevor Gurwe.
Courtesy Photos
