Injury blow for Sables as captain Mandivenga misses Uganda Test

PHILLIMON MHLANGA

Influential Zimbabwe Sables captain Brendon Mandivenga has been ruled out of the nation’s 15s rugby outfit’s Test match against the Cranes of Uganda in Kampala this weekend owing to injury, dealing a body blow to the team’s prospects of putting up a strong fight.

The flyhalf appeared in pain in the later stages of the Sables’ 39-10 home victory against Zambia a fortnight ago. He was eventually substituted.

The injury blow was confirmed by the Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU) on Thursday adding his return is indefinite amid fears the Sables captain will miss the remaining matches of the Victoria Cup.

“Coming off the back of a convincing victory over Zambia in their opening match, the Sables are looking to keep their momentum in the four-nation competition,” ZRU said.

“Zimbabwe’s victory came at the cost of (Brendon) Mandivenga who was the mainstay in the Zambian victory, he has pulled out due to injury and his return is indefinite.”

In his absence, Hilton Mudariki will captain the side and deputised by Jan Ferreira.

Sables head coach Brendon Dawson on Thursday announced a travelling squad of 24 players that leaves Harare Friday morning. Three debutants, Aiden Burnett, Dudlee White Sharpley and Rufaro Chikwaira were included in the squad.

The Squad:
1. Tyran Fagan, 2. Matthew Simba Mandioma, 3. David Makanda , 4. Jan
Ferreira (VC), 5. Godfrey Muzanargwo , 6. Blithe Tino Mavesere , 7.
Brian NyaudeNyuade , 8. Aiden Burnett, 9. Hilton Mudariki (C), 10.
Kuziwakwashe Kazembe, 11. Matthew David McNab , 12. Ngoni Chibuwe ,
13. Shayne Makombe , 14. Takudzwa Kumadiro , 15. Martin Mangongo , 16.
Keith Beefy Murray , 17. Tatenda Rwenyu , 18. Royal Mwale , 19.
Biselele Tshamala , 20. Njabulo V Ndlovu , 21. Dudlee White – Sharpley
, 22.Rufaro Chikwaira , 23. Takudzwa Chieza 24. Moses Gunda
(Travelling squad member)

Team Management:
Head Coach: Brendon Dawson
Assistant Coach: Tonderai Chavhanga
Manager: Jason Maritzaritz
Physiotherapist: Pauline Dzawo Manyaya

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