ZIMBABWE Sevens rugby coach Danny Hondo has named two uncapped players in a 16-member team for the Hong Kong Sevens core team qualifier – his first selection since taking over the role as head coach.
DANIEL NHAKANISO SPORTS REPORTER
The Cheetahs will face Spain, Tonga, and Georgia in Pool G of the 12-team qualifier which will take place from March 27 to 29.
Earning a first time call-up were former Churchill High School winger Mkhululi Ndlela and ex-Vainona and Mbare Academy product Takudzwa Francisco.
Former Young Sables star Tapiwa Tsomondo, who had an impressive season for the Western Province Under-19 side will make a return to the Cheetahs squad for the first time since 2013.
The South Africa-based Lenience Tambwera who is playing in the Vodacom Cup for Valke and Hilton Mudariki who turns out for University of Johannesburg in the Varsity Cup were named in the squad.
Hondo kept faith in the team’s tried and tested veterans skipper Jacques Leitao and Fortune Chipendu while South Africa-based forward Biselele Tshamala would make a return.
Winger Tafadzwa Chitokwindo, who left the country last week will linkup with the rest of the team in Hong Kong from his base in Germany where he is playing club rugby for TV Pforzheim.
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In a statement, the Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU) said the Cheetahs would prepare for the core-team qualifier at the Hong Kong Sevens with a training camp in South Africa.
While in South Africa, the squad is expected to train with the South Africa Sevens Academy side at the state-of-the-art University of Stellenbosch training facilities.
“This squad of players will immediately continue scheduled preparation for Hong Kong VII’s; following which they will travel to the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport for a training camp alongside SA Elite Player Development Academy from 17 to 21 March.
“The final team will travel direct to Hong Kong from Cape Town. We are extremely grateful to the South Africa Rugby Union for facilitating this important training camp and for the opportunity to train at a world class facility alongside world class players and experts in their field,” ZRU said.
Cheetahs squad: Fortunate Chipendu, Tafadzwa Chitokwindo, Kuda Chiwanza, Takudzwa Francisco, Stephan Hunduza, Graham Kaulback, Jacques Leitao, Kilvan Magunje, Shayne Makombe, Mkululi Mdlela, Njabulo Ndlovu, Riaan O’Neill, Boyd Rouse, Lenience Tambwera, Biselele Tshamala, Tapiwa Tsomondo
Head Coach: Danny Hondo
Assistant Coach: John Ewing
Team manager: Steve MacDonald
