Under-21star Jeremiah Jaravaza and Australian based Hayden called up for senior national sevens rugby ahead of the first major tournament of the year.
ZAMBEZI Cheetahs, Zimbabwe’s Senior National Men’s Sevens have announced their 33-man training squad for the Kwese Sevens Tournament to be held at Harare Sports Club from the 23rd to the 24th of March 2019.
The Cheetahs are the reigning champions of the Africa Cup and a force to reckon with in the Kwese Sevens tournament where they crashed out in last year’s final against Kenya.
Old Georgians RFC and under-21 sensation Jeremiah ‘Jerry’ Jaravaza has been called up for training along with Brisbane based 23-year old Hayden Wilson.
Wilson who plays for Normanby R.L.F.C in Australia could potentially represent Zimbabwe for the first time in senior men’s national colors and he relishes the chance to do so.
“It only feels like yesterday when I was a five-year-old kid sitting at the Christmas table listening to all the amazing stories of what Zimbabwe means to my family and I think to myself one day I hope I can go and explore it. Lucky enough this dream is about to come true when I come through next week to join the Zimbabwe Sevens training squad in preparation for Honk Kong. I have lived in Australia all my life. If I was given the opportunity to represent Zimbabwe it would be truly be a dream come true, Zimbabwe has a significant meaning in my heritage and I am more than happy to put my hand up and represent Zimbabwe,” said Wilson.
Six regular faces in the Cheetah’s starting line-up are not available for the Kwese Sevens as they are currently fulfilling obligations with their foreign based clubs and other commitments.
The Cheetahs will have to make do without Tafadzwa Chitokwindo, Shayne Makombe, Tapiwa Tsomondo, Connor Pritchard, Lucky Sithole and Shingirayi Hlanguyo.
Team manager Donald Mangenje believes the unavailability of these players presents an opportunity for emerging talent to compete for their spots.
“Last year was a good year for the team as we had and will have several options when selecting our final squad and whenever the senior players are not available it creates a window for youngsters to earn start berths in the team,” he said.
The Cheetah are headed for the HSBC Hong Kong in April.
The Training Squad: Shingirai Katsvere, Brandon Mandivenga, Kudzai Mashawi, Hilton Mudariki, Stephan Hunduza, Riaan O’Neill, Boyd Rouse, Kudakwashe Chiwanza, Takudzwa Kumadiro , Tarisai Mugariri, Biselele Thsamala , Ngoni Chibuwe, Andrea Banda, Mathew McNab, Hayden Wilson, Brian Nyaude, Blithe Maveresa, Jeremiah Jaravaza, Takudzwa Francisco, Akim Dick , Lenience Tambwera, Tichaona Hwangwa, Tinotenda Nyawasha, Sean Kusena, Martin Mangongo, Gideon Muyambo, Ngoni Chibuwe, Dylan Jera, Brighton Matiashe, Tatenda Maunga, Quinton Jone, Munopa Muneta and Munesu Muneta.
