Cheetahs plunge into HK battle
ZIMBABWE’S Cheetahs will get the biggest test of their readiness for the Rugby Sevens grand stage when they plunge into battle this morning in the 2018 World Series qualifiers in Hong Kong.
The Cheetahs, who have been in Hong Kong since Monday, begin their ambitious bid for core status with a Pool F date against Pacific Ocean islanders Papua New Guinea before they take on Germany this morning.
Their coach Gilbert Nyamutsamba, speaking from Hong Kong last night, declared his Cheetahs “as ready as they can be’’ for the big battles.
Zimbabwe will also face hosts Hong Kong tomorrow in the last of their group games.
Nyamutsamba said his charges had to quickly acclimatise to the searing heat and humidity of Hong Kong in the few days they have been in the country with the Zimbabwe coach remaining optimistic his side will give a good account of themselves.
Crucially, for Nyamutsamba, is the fact that the Hong Kong tournament presents his Cheetahs with their first real test of the kind of opposition they will face at the World Cup finals in the United States in July.
“Recovery was difficult, it’s hot and humid and the long flight (from Johannesburg to Hong Kong) didn’t make it any easier.
“We managed to put in four training sessions since we have been here and we are ready as can be,’’ Nyamutsamba said.
He said it was imperative they win their opening two fixtures in order to boost their confidence levels.
“The draws were made some time back, we are in a tough group with Germany, PNG and Hong Kong . . . all these are ranked above us.
“Our first game is PNG followed by Germany tomorrow and Hong Kong on Saturday and to build the necessary confidence, for the weekend it is crucial that we have a good start and play well in the first game,’’ Nyamutsamba said.
The coach also revealed that all the 12 players he took with him to Hong Kong would be given a run, which gives the trio of Ngoni Chibuwe, Connor Pritchard and the highly rated Ziyanda Khupe, an opportunity to take their World Series bows.
“All the 12 players, including the debutantes, will play. Such is Sevens that good player rotation is key for any tournament and I am confident the new boys will handle themselves well,’’ Nyamutsamba said.
Recalled veteran, Gardner Nechironga, one of standout players at the Victoria Falls Sevens, is also part of the Cheetahs in Hong Kong as are regulars - skipper Hilton Mudariki - Lenience Tambwera, Njabulo Ndlovu and Biselele Tshamala.
The Cheetahs have in the last two years seen their fortunes take a slump, largely due to the retirement of a number of key and experienced payers who had carried the national team for a long period and they missed out on the 2017 World Series qualifiers.
Nyamutsamba is, however, confident the Cheetahs will emerge from Hong Kong a better and stronger outfit.
CHEETAHS DELEGATION: Team: Biselele Tshamala, Connor Pritchard, Boyd Rouse, Ziyanda Khupe, Ngoni Chibuwe, Gardner Nechironga, Tafadwa Chitokwindo, Njabulo Ndlovu, Hilton Mudariki (Captain), Lenience Tambwera, Stephan Hunduza, Riaan O’Niel *World Rugby Tournament debut Head Coach: Gilbert Nyamutsamba Assistant Coach: Tangai Nemadire Manager: Donald Mangenje Physiotherapist: Margaret Gibson