ZRU in bid to retain players

Zimbabwe’s flag bearers during the years that the Sables tumbled from the radar of serious rugby teams.

During that period the Cheetahs did not disappoint either with their major achievement being securing a place at the Sevens World Cup and also being voted the best team for 2017 at the Annual National Sports Awards.

But Jani and his crew want the Sables to reclaim their spot as a force on the African continent and have set the national team’s revival mission among their major priorities.

Having played for the Sables, Jani knows well the positive impact that a strong senior national team has on the development of the game in the country.

Jani said their assertion had been confirmed by the huge number of players that have caught national coach Peter De Villiers’ eye and have been featuring in the enlarged squads that have been preparing for Zimbabwe’s World Cup qualifiers.

The Sables will open their bid for a place at Japan 2019 with a home clash against Morocco which Jani confirmed has having been slated for Harare Sports Club on June 16.

A Local Organising Committee led by Harare province chairman, Roger Woodward, has been tasked with putting in place all the measures for the successful staging of the game at Sports Club.

His Bulawayo counterpart Thulani “Dubula’’ Tabulawa will also do the same in the second city.

“Yes we have discovered so much local talent which is very pleasing. Players just need good and regular coaching, game time and someone who believes in them.

“As it looks now, our squad comprises about 80 percent locally-based players. This augurs very well for Zimbabwe rugby’s future.

“Our task as ZRU now is to make sure they stay and