ZIMBABWE rugby stars Lambert Groenewald and Guy Cronje have been included in the Golden Lions’ 12-member squad for the annual Safaricom Sevens which gets underway in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, tomorrow. DANIEL NHAKANISO SPORTS REPORTER
The two, who were part of the Sables side that narrowly missed out on qualification to next year’s Rugby World Cup in England are on the books of the South African Super Rugby franchise.
A powerful loose forward, Groenewald was a key player for the Sables during the qualifiers, standing out as a fierce ball carrier while half-back Cronje starred throughout the campaign in the number 10 jersey.
Having not featured at all for the Golden Lions in both the Currie Cup and Super Rugby competitions this season, the Safaricom Sevens presents a good chance for Groenewald to get some competitive action.
The Safaricom Sevens formerly known as the Safari Sevens, is one of the biggest Sevens tournaments on the continent and the biggest sporting event in East Africa.
This year’s edition will feature top Sevens teams such as hosts Kenya, Argentina, Spain, Germany, Samurai International Invitational, New Zealand side Auckland Metro, Western Province, Suzuki Wailers and Australia Icons, among others.
Zimbabwe used to be a regular feature at the Safaricom Sevens, reaching the final during the inaugural edition in 1996, as well as in 2006 and 2007 editions.
The Cheetahs’ last participation in Kenya came in 2011 when they lost in the final of Plate competition.
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Although Zimbabwe will be missing in action, there will still be a strong local presence in Nairobi after the country’s top rugby officials were selected as commissioners for the tournament.
Mudiwa Mundawarara and Bongani Zamchiya, who will perform roles of citing commissioner and judicial officer, will oversee the international Sevens rugby tournament which runs until Sunday.
The tournament attracted nine international match officials drawn from Europe, South America and Africa. The other international evens rugby officials are Argentina’s Deluca Pablo, Spain’s Ibbareta Inigo, New Zealand’s Steve Piacun and Matthew Gareth and David Guerin from England.
A panel of referees from Africa include South Africa’s Jaco Kotze and Uganda’s Paul Ojambo. Golden Lions squad.
They are Tshepo Mooki, Tommy Damba, Robert de Bruyn, Richard Aingworth, Lincoln Koopman, Marco Alberts, Lambert Groenewald, Joshua Jarvis, Guy Cronje, Itumeleng Mpate, Dean Heymans and Daneel Ellis.
