The Zimbabwe senior women’s rugby team, the Lady Sables, has announced a provisional squad for the Rugby Africa Division One Women’s Tournament in Ivory Coast from April 9 to 20. Coach Nsikelelo Sibanda underscores the importance of every training session due to limited preparation time. The squad features experienced players and Under-20 talent, with a final competitive match in the Nedbank Challenge Cup preceding the tournament.
The Zimbabwe senior women’s rugby team, known as the Lady Sables, is preparing for the upcoming Rugby Africa Division One Women’s Tournament, which is scheduled to occur in Ivory Coast from April 9 to 20. Coach Nsikelelo Sibanda has revealed the provisional squad for this competition, where Zimbabwe will compete against teams from Uganda, Tunisia, and Ivory Coast. The tournament winner will secure a spot in the Rugby Africa Cup alongside South Africa, Kenya, and Madagascar.
Coach Sibanda highlighted the challenges facing the team, stating the necessity of maximizing every training session due to limited resources and time. “We have very little time and resources to pull off an upset in this upcoming tournament, and the whole squad is taking every training opportunity and second on the field very seriously,” he remarked.
The provisional squad includes both experienced players and promising young talent, particularly several Under-20 players from the recent Harare Provincial Tournament. These young athletes are currently playing within the Harare, Manicaland, and Matabeleland Provincial Rugby Leagues, indicating a rich pool of talent.
Despite the optimism of including Under-20 players, Sibanda cautioned that significant improvement is needed before the tournament. “This huge provisional squad includes Under-20 players who just came from the Provincial Tournaments going on and are raising their hands to play. But we will need anything close to a miracle to reach the standard we want in such a short period,” he stated.
Prior to the tournament, the Lady Sables aim to gain valuable experience in the Nedbank Challenge Cup from March 29 to April 5, which will serve as their final competitive match ahead of the tournament in Ivory Coast. This competition will assist in refining squad selections and strategies.
The announced provisional squad comprises a variety of forwards and backs, showcasing the team’s depth:
Forwards:
– Tarira Mugari (Fs Raiders)
– Beshious Mabute (Police)
– Vimbai Dewa (Fs Raiders)
– Ruvimbo Chigumbu (Old Hararians)
– Tariro Chinyengetere (Fs Raiders U20)
– Blessing Mvuke (Old Hararians)
– Simpiwe Gumbo (Highlanders)
– Thembelani Ndlela (Mat Warriors)
– Skumbuzo Muchenje (Zimbiru Titans)
… (additional players listed accordingly)
Backs:
– Trish Chiunze (Mat Warriors)
– Ropafadzo Muzanechita (Police Defenders)
– Kudzai Wasili (Harare Sports Club)
– Tarren Munodaani (Fs Raiders)
– Memory Moyo (Highlanders)
… (additional players listed accordingly)
The Lady Sables technical team is led by Head Coach Nsikelelo Sibanda, supported by Assistant Coaches Lovemore Kuzorera, Kimberly Marowa, Farai Makoni, Takudzwa Ngirazi, and Shingirai Zhoya. The technical staff also includes a Strength & Conditioning Coach, physiotherapist, medic, team manager, welfare manager, and marketing/media personnel.
In summary, the Lady Sables are gearing up for a pivotal tournament in Ivory Coast, facing significant competition from Uganda, Tunisia, and the hosts. Under Coach Nsikelelo Sibanda, the team aims to leverage their training sessions efficiently despite the challenges regarding time and resources. The inclusion of young talent in the squad reflects a promising future for Zimbabwean women’s rugby, culminating in their preparations for the Nedbank Challenge Cup to fine-tune their skills ahead of the primary tournament.
Original Source: www.newzimbabwe.com
