Zimbabwe to compete against regional teams for the Zambezi Challenge
Story by Raynald Ngwarati
ALL is set for the Zambezi Sevens Rugby Challenge Series which will be played at Old Georgian’s Sports Club in Harare this Saturday.
The tournament will precede the Africa Cup and is set to light up Old Georgians Sports Club with a bumper rugby fest and entertainment on the cards.
Although the tournament will not feature the Spartans and Germany who each won the previous editions, twelve elite teams from three different countries will compete for the title on Saturday.
Zimbabwe will be represented by two outfits, Zambezi Cheetahs Green and Zambezi Cheetahs White, while from across the border, there is Zambia One and Zambia Two, with two invitational teams, the Wildcats and the Zambezi Steelers completing the elite teams.
“We have six men’s elite teams playing in the elite section of the competition. In the men’s club section there will be nine teams competing for the Zambezi Challenge club trophy and four teams competing for the Zambezi Challenge Women’s competition,” said Cheetahs head coach, Graham Kaulback.
The Zimbabwean teams which came close last year, will be cautious in their attempt to win the coveted trophy for the first time.
He added, “I think taking it one game at a time, and hopefully, we can be in that final and take that game one moment at a time.”
The Cheetahs are using the Zambezi Challenge to prepare for the Africa Cup and select the best 12 players to represent Zimbabwe.
“This is sort of a preamble. Sort of a good indication for us as to who has got the mettle to play in the Africa Cup. We know how difficult the Africa Cup is going to be, with quality sides coming to Harare so we’re trying to assemble the best team,” said Cheetahs assistant coach Ricky Chirengende.
The tournament will make use of the two rugby fields, with all matches set to be played on the same day at the same venue.
