SABLES assistant coach Cyprian Mandenge has expressed confidence in the new look, but inexperienced side that leaves for Madagascar today for their defence of the Confederation of African Rugby (CAR) Group 1 championship.
REPORT BY ALBERT MARUFU
Zimbabwe, who have to remain in the Group 1A to keep alive their hopes of making it to the 2015 IRB World Cup, were last week hit by a player revolt that saw a number of experienced players being dropped from the squad.
The players, among them former captain Costa Dinha, Cleopas Makotose, Tangai Nemadire and Gardner Nechironga, were dropped from the squad after leading a training boycott calling for the ouster of team manager Losson Mtongwiza.
However, Mandenge, who will not be travelling with the team due to lack of resources, said though dropping experienced players was unfortunate, it increased the player base.
“As a coach I would want all the experienced players available for this competition. However, from what I saw at training, the youngsters we have in the team will bring the trophy,” he said.
However, a source close to the Sables team said though the timing of the boycott by the players was unfortunate and an amicable solution has to be found.
“We are a very small family and cannot afford these fights which might jeopardise our chances of going to the World Cup. Maybe an interim manager should have been appointed while investigating the issue brought about by the players,” said the source that preferred anonymity. Zimbabwe plays hosts Madagascar in the semifinals while Kenya take on Uganda in the other semifinal. The winners will meet in the final on July 14. anza
