The Lady Sables have named a provisional squad for the Rugby Africa Division One Women’s Tournament in Ivory Coast from April 9 to 20. They will face Uganda, Tunisia, and the host nation. Coach Nsikelelo Sibanda emphasizes the need for effective training to maximize their chances for success, with a mix of experienced and young players selected to represent Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe’s senior women’s rugby team, the Lady Sables, has unveiled a provisional squad for the imminent Rugby Africa Division One Women’s Tournament. Scheduled to transpire in Ivory Coast from April 9 to 20, the team will face Uganda, Tunisia, and the host nation, Ivory Coast. The tournament champion will secure a spot in the Rugby Africa Cup, entering into competition with South Africa, Kenya, and Madagascar.
Coach Nsikelelo Sibanda remarked on the pressing need to maximize their training sessions due to limited time and resources. “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.
The provisional squad comprises a blend of experienced players and emerging talents, including several Under-20 athletes from the recent Harare Provincial Tournament. These young players are active in the Harare, Manicaland, and Matabeleland Provincial Rugby Leagues, reflecting the robust depth of talent available for national selection.
Sibanda acknowledged the inclusion of these Under-20 players, expressing cautious optimism regarding their potential. “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,” he noted.
Prior to their journey to Ivory Coast, the Lady Sables will compete in the anticipated Nedbank Challenge Cup from March 29 to April 5. This event will serve as a crucial opportunity for match practice and assist in finalizing the team composition.
In summary, the Lady Sables have initiated their preparations for the Rugby Africa Division One Women’s Tournament, emphasizing the importance of training and player readiness. The squad exhibits a strategic mix of seasoned players and promising Under-20 talents, underscoring the depth of Zimbabwean women’s rugby. As they move towards the tournament, their performance in the upcoming Nedbank Challenge Cup will be pivotal.
Original Source: www.newzimbabwe.com
