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Sports Reporter
CHEETAHS captain Stephan Hunduza has rallied the rookies in the Zimbabwe side to spur the hosts to victory when they plunge into battle in the Kwese Sevens international rugby tournament at Harare Sports Club today and tomorrow.

Hunduza said having new players was also healthy for competition as Zimbabwe look to build a strong squad for the Hong Kong tournament next month and the Africa Cup later this year.

“It is always good for the team when we have upcoming players because they bring more competition.

“As a captain, I am happy with the competition we are getting from the youngsters,” said Hunduza.

Zimbabwe will field two men’s teams and as many sides for the women’s edition of the tournament.

The four sides were named yesterday.

Cheetahs coach, Gilbert Nyamutsamba, said the tournament provided them with a chance to showcase Zimbabwe’s array of emerging players.

“This is the only tournament that we get a chance to field a lot of players and for the young players this tournament is a chance for them to express themselves.

“Lucky for them as they get to express themselves in front of a home crowd and they will get all the support they need.

“For me, this is an exciting tournament because we get to see new talent and I am sure the teams will use the home crowd and conditions to express themselves,” said Nyamutsamba.

The Lady Cheetahs are coming from a Silver Cup finish at the Hermanus Ladies Sevens in the Western Province of South Africa.

Constance Ngwende, who was in the final against South Africa, is confident of a home gold.

“I am pretty sure that this time we will make it all the way because of the exposure we got playing against the South African national team and clubs from South Africa.

“It was a confidence-booster preparing us for this tournament so that we keep on improving,” she said.

The tournament will also feature six high schools teams that will have a chance to gain an international audience at the tournament.

Zimbabwe Rugby Union has also joined the nation in charitable work to support victims of Cyclone Idai that largely affected the eastern province of Manicaland.

ZRU have partnered with Econet Wireless in a joint effort to reach out to those affected.

The Squads:

Cheetahs: Godfrey Muzanargwo (Mat Warriors), Kudzai Mashawi (HSC), Boyd Rouse (Samurai -UK), Kudakwashe Chiwanza (OGS), Nelson Madida (Mat Warriors), Shingirai Katsvere (OGs), Andrea Banda (Mat Warriors), Biselele Tshamala (Hwange Diggers), Takudzwa Kumadiro (OGs), Brandon Mandivenga (HSC), Stephan Hunduza (Diggers – Zambia) and Brian Nyaude (AAC-Portugal)

Team Management: Gilbert Nyamutsamba; Donald Mangenje; Margie Gibson

 Goshawks: Hayden Wilson (Normanby RLFC – Australia), Blithe Maveresa (HSC), Godfrey Magaramombe (OGs), Jeremiah Jaravaza (OGs), Akim Dick (OGs), Tich Hwangwa (OGs), Theo Goeredema (Mat Warriors), Tinotenda Nyawasha (Mutare), Tatende Kasorota (OH), Zephaniah Nkomo (HSC), Tadiwa Kandawasvika (UZ), Dylan Jera (Mutare) and Brighton Matiashe (Mutare)

Team management: Lucky Sithole; Gerald Sibanda; Amanda Tererai

Lady Cheetahs:

Constance Ngwende (Police), Caroline Making (OH), Peace Sithole (OH), Nikita Kuleya (OGs), Lissy Wasarirevhu (Police), Mufaro Tagarira (Vainona), Precious Marange (HSC), Rumbidzai Chigumbu (OH), Gladys Mukome (Police), Charity Mucucuti (OH); Wadzanai Chidawa (OH)

Zimbabwe A Ladies:

Tanaka Jambe (Hwange), Mitchell Mugodo (Hwange), Litra Sibanda (Hwange), Patience Harubereki (Police), Slue Nyoni (OH), Racheal Tembo (Police), Hazzel Dube (OGs), Nyasha Tutani (OGs), Chiwoniso Mabika (HSC); Tatenda Chitewe (HSC)

Team Management: Abigail Kawonza; Octavia Chikurura; Anne Butau