De Souza names Nedbank Rugby Challenge squad
THE Zimbabwe Under-20 rugby coach Shaun De Souza is set to go into this year’s Barthes trophy without the services of two of his senior players in skipper Shingi Manyarara and loose-head prop Huntley Masterson.
the two have pulled out of the thirdtier age-group competition owing to club and school commitments, but have since availed themselves of the World rugby Junior trophy should Zimbabwe qualify.
this was the biggest take-away from De Souza’s 80-men Zimbabwe Under-20 High-Performance squad announcement for the Nedbank rugby Challenge yesterday.
the Junior Sables have been afforded two slots — a Junior Sables and Developmental team — for the local pre-season club competition and De Souza hopes to use it as preparation for next month’s Barthes trophy.
“It has been quite an interesting process,” said the Junior Sables gaffer.
“the talent identification programme began in earnest back in November, and we have since had the chance to look at every player that came in.
“We had a good look, a good assessment of what we have at our disposal, and feel pretty satisfied with both the squad and talent we have in camp.
“We do, however, have a few players who have communicated that they will not be able to make it for the Barthes trophy.
“this is largely due to school commitments with the biggest casualties being captain Shingi Manyarara (cub commitments) and Huntley Masterson due to school.
“they will only be able to make it for the Junior World trophy should be qualify,” he said
Zimbabwe, of course, is in line to host this year’s Barthes trophy, tentatively set for April 18-28 in the capital.
the issue is currently at the desk of the Sports and recreation Commission (SRC) and awaiting approval after the Zimbabwe rugby Union handed in the required paperwork.
the Junior Sables are the Barthes trophy defending champions and will be looking to make it three wins in a row after claiming the 2022 and 2023 editions.
the winner of this year’s Barthes trophy will then join Uruguay, the Netherlands, and the United States of America or Canada in Pool B of the World ruby Under-20 trophy set for July 2-17 in edinburgh, Scotland.
Zimbabwe is currently in camp with De Souza hoping to use the Nedbank rugby Challenge, which is a local pre-season tournament, as part of his preparations for both the Barthes trophy and, hopefully, the Junior World trophy.
“We are fortunate to have two teams in the Nedbank rugby Challenge Cup as it will be good preparation for the final selection of the Barthes trophy squad,” he said.
“Our main team will have the main contenders for the Barthes trophy selection, while the other team will have our Under-18 and 19 kids which will be our developmental squad.
“We hope to have a couple of players from the developmental team put their hands up for possible selection into the Barthes trophy.
“that will be a welcome headache,” said the Junior Sables coach.
Zimbabwe Under-20 High Performance Squad Shingirai Manyarara, Huntley Masterson, Benoni Nhekairo, Allan Mawunga, Tawanayasha Bwanya, Edward Sigauke, Polite Phiri Brendon, Jameson Kholwani Moyo, Tinashe Mudanga, Kelton Kaseke Cody, Grant Godfrey, Zvinavashe Stanley Muranganwa, Joseph Benning, Tadiwanashe Unganai, Kudakwashe Nyamushaya, Kelvin Kaseke, Tafara Dewa, Tadiwa Chikuriro, Louange Ujenza Mutimawurukundo, Tadiwa Mandimustrira, Tawonga Chingosho, Tanya Takaendisa, Shammah Jackson, Emmanuel Magutakuona, Huntsmann Greaves, Brendon Mudzwiti, Tatenda Runyowa, Joseph Thumba, Tinotenda Rusike, Thabani Ndlovu, Amazing Vheriwa, Tino Matimbira, Darryl Mwenzo, Takudzwa Matsvimbo, Seth -Jesse Kodzanai, Wayne Kunaka, Innocent Dekete, Tapiwa Zhanda, Emmanuel Gabi, Vuyani Ncube, Godwin Phiri, Vimbiso Kasvosve, Cole Musanigwa, Ethan Ferguson, Nyasha Nwarati, Tiamike Mlambo, Dominic Mckechnie, Jeff Muzavazi, O’Neil Joshua Bekker, Tanaka Mupamahadzi, Owen Musumhi, Joe Masunda, Takudzwa Mandiyambira, Philip Chimaka, Tafadzwa Tigere, Rogers Tayengwa, Simbarare Sanyanga, Michael Shaba, Cody Cooper, Ian Mabuto, Nicky Magobera, Mudiwa Hakunavanhu, Elias Chitengwa, Kudzai Waylen Tsvakirai, Tatenda Mpagore, Martel Wolfenden, Kaitano Tembo, Chester Mpofu, Jamie Mathwasa, Brendon Mukarati, Tadiwa Maradzi, Tinevimbo Nyoni, Ethan Tate Msendo, Brandon Gwenzi, Gil Mfema, Victor Muchenge, Sean Tigere, Babongile Ncube, Brendon Mubaiwa