BY SPORTSCAST WRITER
HARARE – Zimbabwe coach Shaun De Souza has named a huge training squad July’s World Rugby Under-20 Trophy in Kenya, commenting that the side gives him “goose-pimples” due to its vast array of talent.
The Junior Sables qualified for world rugby’s second-tier youth competition after recently outclassing opponents to retain the Under-20 Africa Cup in Kenya, beating the hosts 28-7 in the final following two thumping wins over Côte d’Ivoire and Tunisia.
“I had goose-bumps just going putting this list together,” De Souza told reporters of the provisional squad announced on Monday.
“I can’t wait till I have to get to (the) final 28. I’m excited for this team.”
He further told SportsCast: “The additional players will obviously add more competition in camp. Some with experience from last year, which will make things interesting come final selection. Most of the additions are guys who had university commitments and were not available for selection for Barthes but are now available and will be in camp.”
At the World Rugby Under-20 Trophy, Zimbabwe will be in Pool A alongside Scotland, Uruguay as well as either the United States or Canada.
TRAINING SQUAD
Forwards: Happias Zhou, Gerry Zisengwe, Stan Muranganwa, Tanaka Gondo-Mukandapi (vice-captain), Huntley Masterson, Tanaka Ndoro, Vincent Chimwendo, Farai Madzima, Tendai Maruma, Tadiwa Chimwada, Gealan Jaricha, Takunda Mudzingwa, Allan Mawunga, Leo Mutendi, Hagler Muchenje, Kelvin Kaseke, Tamuka Kambani, Tashinga Makiwa, Nqobile Manyara, Bryan Chiang, Takudzwa Zvomuya, Shingi Manyarara, Tawananyasha Bwanya, Godfrey Zvinavashe, Martin Hakunavanhu, Muzuva Gutu.
Backs: Panashe Zuze (captain), Brendon Marume (vice-captain), Dion Khumalo, Brendan Jameson, Kudakwashe Nyamushaya, Munotida Marimirofa, Tawanda Matipano, Shadrick Mandaza, Benoni Nhekairo, Tanaka Chinyanga, Panashe Mugorogodi, Kelton Kaseke, Welton Charumbira, Cody Grant, Simbarashe Kanyangarara, Alex Nyamunda, Taonaishe Mapani, Tadiwanashe Unganai, Kholwani Moyo.
