THE Zimbabwe squad for the Sevens Rugby World Cup qualifying tournament in Tunisia next week will be finalised tomorrow at the end of a week-long training camp. The Cheetahs assembled in Harare on Monday ahead of the qualifiers, where they will be among favourites to clinch one of the three remaining African places for the IRB Sevens World Cup finals in Dubai next March.Coach Liam Middleton said selection of the final 12-man squad will be a tough process.“There will be a couple of close calls in all departments,” Middleton said. “It’s up to the guys to step up and show their worth for selection.”Zimbabwe were scheduled to play a four-team tournament at Old Georgians Sports Club on Wednesday afternoon with their second string side, the Goshawks, and national sides from Zambia and Botswana. They ended up playing a practice match against the Goshawks after the two national sides failed to travel to Harare.“It’s a little bit disappointing because the matches would have greatly helped our preparations. But we still have our original programme and we are sticking to it. The guys are looking very good. They are looking fit and organised. I’m pretty pleased.”The Cheetahs have 14 players in camp instead of 16 after utility back Garth Ziegler signed up for Italian club giants Venezia Mestre two weeks ago and winger Tafadzwa Mhende’s involvement was stalled by work commitments.“I would have liked to have a look at Garth, I already know how Taffy is like,” said Middleton. “But I think 14 (players) is the ideal squad. (Anyway) I’m also not sure if Garth would have made the traveling squad.”Middleton was also pleased by the presence of Ryan Manyika, the third UK-based player in the squad. The Harlequins club star back, who can play as a playmaker or scrumhalf at Sevens, is in the Cheetahs squad for the first time.
