The Zimbabwe senior women’s rugby team, the Lady Sables, has announced a provisional squad for the Rugby Africa Division One Women’s Tournament taking place in Ivory Coast from April 9 to 20. Coach Nsikelelo Sibanda highlighted the importance of effective training due to limited resources. The squad includes seasoned players and young talent from the Under-20 ranks, with a final training opportunity at the Nedbank Challenge Cup before the tournament.
The Zimbabwe senior women’s rugby team, known as the Lady Sables, is gearing up for the Rugby Africa Division One Women’s Tournament, which will be held in Ivory Coast from April 9 to 20. Coach Nsikelelo Sibanda has unveiled a provisional squad that will compete against Uganda, Tunisia, and the host nation, Ivory Coast. The tournament’s victor will secure a place in the Rugby Africa Cup, alongside South Africa, Kenya, and Madagascar.
Coach Sibanda emphasized the importance of maximizing training sessions due to the limited time and resources available. He stated, “We have very little time and resources to pull off an upset in this upcoming tournament, and the whole squad is taking every training opportunity and second on the field very seriously.”
The provisional squad showcases a combination of experienced players and promising emerging talents, including several Under-20 athletes from the Harare Provincial Tournament. These players are currently active in the Harare, Manicaland, and Matabeleland Provincial Rugby Leagues, indicating the strong pool of youth talent available to the team.
Additionally, Coach Sibanda highlighted the inclusion of eager Under-20 players who are stepping up to be part of the squad. He added, “This huge provisional squad includes Under-20 players who just came from the Provincial Tournaments going on and are raising their hands to play. But we will need anything close to a miracle to reach the standard we want in such a short period.”
Prior to the tournament, the Lady Sables will compete in the Nedbank Challenge Cup, taking place from March 29 to April 5, which will serve as their final preparation and a critical opportunity to finalize the team selection.
The Lady Sables have assembled an extensive provisional squad, categorized into forwards and backs, to represent Zimbabwe. The forwards consist of notable players such as Tarira Mugari and Beshious Mabute, while the backs include Trish Chiunze and Kudzai Wasili. This diverse roster reflects the team’s strategic depth as they prepare for the upcoming challenges in Ivory Coast.
The Lady Sables technical team, led by Head Coach Nsikelelo Sibanda, includes a strong support staff comprising assistant coaches, trainers, and medical personnel to ensure the players are well-prepared for the competition. This dedicated team aims to elevate the performance of the squad as they strive for success in the tournament.
In summary, the Lady Sables are poised for the Rugby Africa Division One Women’s Tournament, showcasing a blend of experienced and emerging players. With the support of a committed coaching and technical staff, they aim to optimize their training in preparation for competitive matches against formidable opponents. Their involvement in the Nedbank Challenge Cup will further enhance their readiness for the challenges ahead.
Original Source: www.newzimbabwe.com
