Paul Munyuki Sports Reporter
DESPITE losing to Russia in the final, the Cheetahs’ display at the World Sevens Series core membership qualifier over the weekend shows that Zimbabwe Rugby Union’s investment in the youth is beginning to pay dividends.

Six of the players in the Cheetahs squad came through the Young Sables Under-20 team and were part of the sides that played in the respective Junior World Rugby Trophy tournaments having won the Junior Africa Cup. The last tie Zimbabwe played at the JWRT was in 2012 and some of the players that were part of these sides included versatile forward Biselele Tshamala, impressive winger Tafadzwa Chitokwindo and scrummy Graham Kaulback who were part of the side that played at the 2010 edition of the games in Russia.

Scrummy Hilton Mudariki, centre Shayne Makombe and winger Kudakwashe Chiwanza were to follow as they graduated from the junior side at the end of 2012.

This year’s campaign at the World Sevens series was one of the most exciting outings by the Cheetahs since they won the title under the then coach Gilbert “Gidza” Nyamutsamba.

Over the last two years power struggles in the ZRU boardroom have come to haunt the player’s efforts on the field of play.

The coming in of 32-year-old coach Daniel Hondo and his assistant and legend John Ewing made sure the Cheetahs were a well-balanced side both on the field and in the technical team. The Cheetah average age was just above 26 years with captain Jacques Leitao, who is turning 33 at the end of July, the oldest and the most experienced as well.

 

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