The Sunday Mail
IN a world where instant results are becoming a must and a coach’s longevity is determined by just that, Zimbabwe Cheetahs gaffer Gilbert Nyamutsamba appears to be going against the grain.
A new-look Cheetahs outfit was scheduled to leave for the United States of America last night after Nyamutsamba made some surprising calls.
The door was shut on the bulk of the players who are in Sables set-up while some young guns have been given a chance to stake a claim on the national shirt.
Lenience Tambwera, Gardner Nechironga, Njabulo Ndlovu and Lucky Sithole are not in the mix for the World Cup.
Rookies Tarisai Mugariri and Jafnos Chiwanza have made the squad and are eager to repay the faith the coach has shown in them.
“We are going to the World Cup with one eye on the tournament and another on the Olympics; so it only makes sense that we start giving some of the young guns a run,” explained Nyamutsamba.
“We are intend to use this tournament as preparation for the Olympic qualifiers next year and give some of the younger players some much needed competitive game time, experience and exposure.” Of all the changes rung none was more shocking than the decision to overlook regular sevens captain Hilton Mudariki.
Nyamutsamba labelled it a difficult call.
“I could have called Hilton up because this is national duty. However, that would have been a great disservice to the player, he needs time to settle at his new English club, Jersey Reds,” he said.
With Mudariki unavailable the armband has since been handed to the duo of Boyd Rouse and Stephen Hunduza, who go into the tournament as co-captains.
Rouse and Hunduza have their own unorthodox way of doing things too!
“It’s an honour to do this but being captain doesn’t mean you are the boss,” said Hunduza.
Added Rouse: “There will be no bossing people around us or shouting orders because everyone will be their own captain.
“Everyone knows what is required of them, what we are here for and what needs to be done, so I don’t expect us to do much.
“Our job will be just to oversee things and try pick up morale when the chips are down. It worked for us in Italy and there is no reason why it shouldn’t work for us now.”
The Cheetahs are fully aware of the tough task before them but remain confident of a good outing.
“We have not had the best of preparations but that is sport for you, one simply has to deal with what they have got,” said Rouse.
“The Italy tournament was certainly a turning point, and the team has been in high spirits since.
Morale is good, we have put in the work and look forward to a good campaign.”
The Cheetahs will get their campaign underway with a preliminary round tie against Wales on Friday.
Squad
Biselele Tshamala, Boyd Rouse (captain), Shayne Makombe, Jafnos Chiwanza, Connor Pritchard, Stephen Hunduza (captain), Riaan O’Neil, Shingirayi Hlanguyo, Ngoni Chibuwe, Tarisai Mugariri, Tafadzwa Chitokwindo.
