The Sunday Mail
Online Reporter
Goshawks coach Brendan Dawson has described their 12-week spell in South Africa for the Currie Cup First Division rugby tournament as a huge test of mental strength.
The team have been based in Cape Town for the last three months as part of preparations for the Rugby Africa Cup slated for France early next month.
They will wind up their stay with a game against Valke at Wynberg High School on Saturday at 3pm.
Dawson, speaking shortly before his charges went on the traditional captain’s run at SACS High School at the foot of the famous Table Mountain, said being in camp for 12 weeks was a big test of character for his players.
“We are also trying to work with combinations. This Currie Cup has really been a good foundation for us and some guys have played really good rugby,” he said.
A former Zimbabwe captain, who represented his country at the 1991 World Cup, Dawson added that featuring in the Currie Cup against teams that have been together for a long time had also provided them with the right platform to test their mental strength.
“It has all been about growth, and, remember, all these Currie Cup teams that we have played have been together for a long time.
“We had been together for a week or two before we played Georgia. Georgia had been together for three years, building their squad.
“We have played the structures that have been there for three to five years.”
He also saluted some of the Under-20 players such as Brendon Marume and winger Tavonga Ablant, who have quickly adjusted to the demands of the senior side, having joined the Goshawks soon after leading Zimbabwe to the Barthes Junior Trophy success in Kenya in April.
Goshawks Team
Tyran Fagan, Liam Larkan, Bornwell Gwinji, Sean Beevor, Godfrey Muzanargwo, Kelvin Kanenungo, Aiden Burnett, Nyasha Tarusenga, Hilton Mudariki, Marcus Nel, Brendon Marume, Taku Chieza, Matthew McNab, Shayne Makombe, Shingirai Katsvere
