Zimbabwe’s Cheetahs squad for 2024 Rugby Africa Cup named
SPORTS REPORTER
The Cheetahs’ head coach, Ricky Chirengende, has named a young but intriguing team for the 2024 Rugby Africa Cup Sevens Tournament, which begins this Saturday and runs until July 7, 2024, in Mauritius.
He retained the experience of captain Tapiwa Malenga, Ryan Musumhi, Carlos Matematema, Vuyani Dhlomo, Nigel Tinarwo, and Kudakwashe Nyamakura to ensure that the side has the relevant international experience.
He has however dipped into Zimbabwe’s ever-growing talent pool by roping in former U20 Junior Sables players in Edward Sigauke and Shadreck Mandaza who took part in the Rugby Africa Sevens Olympic Qualifiers. Dion Khumalo, Kholwani Moyo and Allan Mawunga.
Chirengende has also handed France-based speedster Thabani Maguranyanga a debut in national colours and will be looking to bolster his squad with speed needed in the Sevens game.
Among the Non-travelling reserves are Godfrey Magaramombe, Tinotenda Rusike, Trevor Gurwe, and Godwin Mangenje
Zimbabwe is in Group C alongside northern neighbours Zambia, Algeria, and Ghana.
This year’s edition of the Rugby Africa Cup will be played in two phases.
The first phase will be played on the 29th and 30th of June and the second phase will happen on the 6th and 7th of July.
The Cheetahs open their campaign against Algeria before meeting Ghana and then facing Zambia in the first phase of the tournament.
