MUDARIKI BACKS HIS SABLES

ZIMBABWE rugby star, Hilton Mudariki, is confident the Cheetahs will make a big impression at the African Games to be held in Accra, Ghana, from March 8 to 23.

He brings vast experience to the squad after captaining both the Cheetahs and Sables.

Speaking to Zimpapers Sport, he said:

“We are looking forward to the African Games. “I believe it is one of the best multicultural sports festivals in Africa so to be part of it is amazing and we are looking forward to the challenge and just the opportunity to be there.

“Preparations have been pretty good so far.

“We started training last year with guys that are locally-based and it’s been good.

“Last year we fell short in the Olympic qualifier and we realised we had to fix those things before the tournament.”

He added:

“The best part of our Sevens team is that anyone can pitch up any day and perform so, for us, it’s not about taking any team lightly, it’s about going one game at a time focusing on that particular game and not worrying about the future of the tournament.

“Mindset is a big part of the game that is neglected a lot. “Normally, focus is on the physical side, the gym, the conditioning and running but not necessarily on the mind so it is something that we will be working on and we hope to have the correct mindset.

“We want to come back with the medal, that is the end goal but you know we can’t focus on the end but on how we start, we have to take one game at a time and see if we can bring the medal.”

Mudariki believes the balance within their squad will give them an edge.

“We have got some youth and experience, which is a nice blend and that will help us going into this tournament.”