Lady Sables Announce Provisional Squad for Rugby Africa Division One Tournament
The Zimbabwe senior women’s rugby team, coached by Nsikelelo Sibanda, has announced a provisional squad for the Rugby Africa Division One Tournament in Ivory Coast from April 9 to 20. They aim to secure a place in the Rugby Africa Cup, despite limited time and resources. The team includes experienced players and Under-20 talents, and they will compete in the Nedbank Challenge Cup before the tournament to finalize their squad.
Nsikelelo Sibanda, the head coach of the Zimbabwe senior women’s rugby team, has unveiled a provisional squad for the forthcoming Rugby Africa Division One Women’s Tournament. Scheduled from April 9 to 20 in Ivory Coast, Zimbabwe will contend against Uganda, Tunisia, and the host nation, Ivory Coast, with the tournament winner securing a place in the Rugby Africa Cup alongside South Africa, Kenya, and Madagascar.
With time and resources at a premium, Coach Sibanda stressed the importance of maximizing every practice session. “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,” he stated, highlighting the team’s commitment to success despite challenges.
The provisional squad comprises seasoned athletes alongside emerging talents, notably including several Under-20 players who have garnered selections from recent provincial tournaments in Harare. This indicates a promising depth of young talent available for the Lady Sables, which Coach Sibanda acknowledges is critical as they prepare for the competition.
“This huge provisional squad includes Under-20 players who… 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,” he added. This blend of youth and experience will be crucial as they advance their preparations.
Before departing for Ivory Coast, the Lady Sables will participate in the Nedbank Challenge Cup, scheduled from March 29 to April 5. This event will serve as a vital opportunity for competitive play and assist the coaching staff in finalizing the squad selection.
The extended provisional squad for the Lady Sables consists of various forwards and backs, highlighting the breadth of talent within the team. Key players include Tarira Mugari and Trish Chiunze, representing the Forwards and Backs, respectively. The technical team, led by Coach Sibanda, includes dedicated assistants and support staff, underscoring the commitment to build a strong, competitive team for the tournament.
In summary, the Lady Sables, under Coach Nsikelelo Sibanda, are gearing up for a crucial Rugby Africa Division One Women’s Tournament in Ivory Coast. Despite facing time constraints and resource limitations, the team’s dedication to rigorous training and competition is evident. The inclusion of promising Under-20 talent alongside experienced players reflects a strategic approach to preparing for the challenges ahead. Ultimately, their participation in the upcoming Nedbank Challenge Cup will be instrumental in refining their squad and enhancing competitiveness.
Original Source: www.newzimbabwe.com
