Harare Bureau
CHEETAHS’ captain Tafadzwa Chitokwindo is confident they will do well at the SAFLAND Windhoek Sevens which get underway in Namibia today. Chitokwindo is part of the 12-member team that left the country yesterday for the tournament that has eight countries taking part.
“We are prepared for the tournament and this is a good warm-up for us ahead of some high-profile matches like the 2016 Olympics qualifiers set for November,” said Chitokwindo.
“With the coming on board of partners like Powertel, everyone will be motivated and we are looking forward to come out victorious in every game we will play.
“The players are fit and we have been training hard for a long time. The good thing is we understand each other well, having played together for some time.
“The guys coming on board are experienced players who understand and can read the game well.
“With the training we had together, I think we will make a good side.”
Zimbabwe travelled to Namibia yesterday after they were in camp for close to a week.
The SAFLAND Windhoek Sevens will feature a number of countries and teams, including Namibia, Zimbabwe, Poland, Northern All Stars, Bulls, South Africa, Kenya and Botswana.
Team coach, Daniel Hondo, said the event will help them prepare for the Olympics.
“We are looking beyond this tournament as it will be a good practice for the players ahead of the 2016 Olympic qualifiers for Africa set for Johannesburg, South Africa, from November 14-16,” said Hondo.
A 12-member Lady Cheetahs squad left the country for the 2016 Olympic Games qualifiers set for this weekend at the Barnard Stadium in Johannesburg.
Zimbabwe, ranked fourth in Africa, were drawn in Pool A together with Uganda, Namibia, Zambia and hosts South Africa while Pool B consists of Tunisia, Botswana, Madagascar, Kenya and Senegal.
Teams
Cheetahs: Boyd Rouse, Biselele Tshamala, Shayne Makombe, Hilton Mudariki, Tadius Dzandiwandira, Takudzwa Kumadiro, Stephan Hunduza, Graham Kaulback, Tafadzwa Ciwdhitokwindo (Captain), Lucky Sithole, Kuda Chiwanza, Takudzwa Francisco.
Women Cheetahs: P. Marange (captain), M. Magwaro, A Gondo, T Chitewe, C Muchuchuti, H Marange, S Kadye, R Musere, O Chikukura, R Chigumbo, P Pazani (vice-captain), C Ngwende, C Malinga