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Paul Munyuki Sports Reporter
A HOST of foreign-based Sables have indicated they will be part of the Zimbabwe senior rugby side when they get into camp to prepare for their Africa Cup opening game against Kenya in two weeks’ time.

The Sables are expected to get into camp on June 6, a week before they take on Kenya in their opening game of the Africa Cup tournament being played on a home and away basis this year.

Though there are a number of players still doubtful, or have indicated they will not be available for camp, Sables coach Cyprian “Supa” Mandenge yesterday told The Herald he was a happy man.

According to Mandenge, Kingsley Lang, Riaan O’Neill, Royal Mwale, Graham Lawler, Andrew Rose, Martin Wolfenden, Lenience Tambwera and Tafadzwa Chitokwindo are some of the players who will be available.

Eighthman Norman Mukondiwa has also been drafted into the squad for the first time in more than three years.

However, some of the players that Mandenge wanted have university commitments, as most of them are in college in South Africa and will be finishing their exams on June 18.

South Africa-based trio Njabulo Ndlovu, Shayne Makombe, Mathew Mandioma and Hilton Mudariki are some of the players that are doubtful due to school commitments. Kelvin Nqindi last night indicated he will not be available due to work commitments.

“The locally based players have been training hard and we are training twice every week, that is on Mondays and Wednesdays. The turn-up at the session has been very impressive and I am also happy that quite a number of foreign-based players have expressed interest,” said Mandenge.

“I was happy that Riaan O’Neil just confirmed today (yesterday) that he will be available because he is one player who is expected to write exams, but he has managed to make an arrangement with his college so that he features for us and writes his exams latter. Yesterday (Wednesday) I spoke to Hilton Mudariki’s coach who said he will try to negotiate with the college authorities and make an arrangement so that he can be available for Zimbabwe.

“But I am also happy with the fact that most of the foreign-based players have confirmed that they will be available.

“We have the likes of Takudzwa Chieza, who is an exciting young player, and are talking to him because we believe in blending youth and experience into the side, but it is not an overnight process.”

Zimbabwe won the Africa Cup in 2011, but failed to make it for the World Cup last year.