Cyprian Mandenge
SABLES coach Cyprian “Supa” Mandenge yesterday named a squad that includes a number of new faces for Zimbabwe’s clash against Kenya tomorrow in their Africa Cup opener at the Police Grounds in Harare.
Hooker Tolerance Zvishe, Busters prop Irvin Nduwa, David Makanda of Old Hararians, South Africa-based scrummy Witness Mandizha and Old Hararians flanker Ernest Mudzengerere all stand a chance of earning their first cap and will start from the bench.
Captain Denford Mutamangira has been moved from his traditional loose-head prop role to tight head prop and South Africa-based Lawrence Cleminson will take up the number one jersey while Constantine Dinha has come out of retirement to take the number eight jersey against the Simbas of Kenya.
Royal Mwale, Tapfuma Parirenyatwa, Fortunate Chipendu, Biselele Tshamala and former Cheetahs captain Jacques Leitao complete the forwards’ pack.
Flyhalf Lenience Tambwera will lead the back-line and will be guided by the experience of veterans Tangai Nemadire and Manasah Sita while scrummy Charles Jiji takes the number nine jersey in the absence of Hilton Mudariki.
The Sables also welcome back Gavin Nyawata and Boyd Rouse who make up the Sables centre pairing with winger Stephan Hunduza completing the back three.
Meanwhile, Kenya have made 13 changes to the side that toured Zimbabwe last year and lost to the Sables in the Africa Cup Group 1A.
Kenya coach, South African Jerome Paarwater, has made wholesale changes to the side that lost to Zimbabwe last year.
In the forwards, the likes of the KCB duo of Isaiah Nyariki and Oliver Mang’eni, Ronnie Mwenesi, Lawrence Buyachi (Nakuru), Joshua Chisanga (Homeboyz) and Davis Chenge of Western Bulls are not part of the squad.
In the backline, Lyle Asiligwa of Kenya Harlequins, Robert Aringo (Impala), Kelvin Omiyo (Nakuru), Jacob Ojee (KCB), Samuel Oliech (Impala) and Vincent Mose (Impala) have also not made the cut.
From last year’s squad those who have survived are forwards Moses Amusala, Curtis Lilako, Peter Karia, Sammy Warui, Mike Okombe and Brian Nyikuli while, in the backline, Fabian Olando, Isaac Adimo, Dennis Muhanji and Darwin Mukidza endured a painful loss against Zimbabwe.
Reports from Kenya also indicate that Homeboyz prodigy Kevin Masai is set to make his international debut when Kenya Simbas launch their Africa Rugby Division 1A campaign against Zimbabwe Sables in Harare tomorrow.
Sevens skipper Innocent “Namcos” Simiyu (Impala Saracens) will make a comeback after five years.
Also making a return are Kabras Sugar skipper back-row Max Adaka and his teammate, centre Fabian Olando.
Adaka, who has recovered from injury, replaces Oliver Mang’eni (KCB) while Simiyu comes in for his brother Nato Simiyu (Impala Saracens).
Sables Squad
1-8: Lawrence Cleminson, Royal Mwale, Denford Mutamangira, Tapfuma Parirenyatwa, Fortunate Chipendu, Biselele Tshamala, Jacques Leitao, Constantine Dinha.
15-9: Tangai Nemadire, Manasah Sita, Gavin Nyawata, Boyd Rouse, Stephan Hunduza, Lenience Tambwera , Charles Jiji
16-23: Tolerance Zvishe, Irvin Nduwa, David Makanda, Lucky Sithole, Witness Mandizha, Ernest Mudzengerere, Gerald Sibanda, Joshua Gando.
Kenya Squad
Forwards: Moses Amusala, Curtis Lilako, Peter Karia, Sammy Warui, Mike Okombe, Brian Nyikuli, Tony Owuor, James Kang’ethe, Joseph Kang’ethe, Simon Muniafu, Eric Kerre, Max Adaka, Dan Sikuta
Backs: Edwin Achayo, Nick Barasa, Fabian Olando, Isaac Adimo, David Ambunya, Dennis Muhanji, Kelvin Masai, Darwin Mukidza, Innocent Simiyu, Tony Onyango. – sportszone.co.zw