The Zimbabwe senior women’s rugby team has announced their provisional squad for the Rugby Africa Division One Tournament in Ivory Coast, featuring a mix of experienced players and Under-20 talents. Coach Nsikelelo Sibanda emphasized the importance of rigorous training to prepare for the competition, where the winner will qualify for the Rugby Africa Cup. The Lady Sables will also participate in the Nedbank Challenge Cup as a preparatory measure.
The Zimbabwe senior women’s rugby team, under the direction of Coach Nsikelelo Sibanda, has disclosed a provisional squad ahead of the Rugby Africa Division One Women’s Tournament, scheduled from April 9 to 20 in Ivory Coast. This tournament will feature Zimbabwe competing against Uganda, Tunisia, and the host nation, Ivory Coast. The tournament champion will earn a place in the Rugby Africa Cup alongside prominent teams such as South Africa, Kenya, and Madagascar.
Coach Sibanda underscored the significance of maximizing training sessions, given the constraints of time and resources. “We have very little time and resources to pull off an upset in this upcoming tournament, and the whole squad is taking every training opportunity and second on the field very seriously,” he stated. The squad comprises an amalgamation of experienced players as well as promising Under-20 talents, several of whom excelled in the recent Harare Provincial Tournament.
The Under-20 players selected are currently part of the Harare, Manicaland, and Matabeleland Provincial Rugby Leagues, highlighting the breadth of emerging talent within the Zimbabwe rugby framework. Sibanda also remarked, “This huge provisional squad includes Under-20 players who just came from the Provincial Tournaments going on and are raising their hands to play. But we will need anything close to a miracle to reach the standard we want in such a short period.”
As part of their preparations, the Lady Sables will participate in the Nedbank Challenge Cup, taking place from March 29 to April 5, which will serve as their final competitive test before heading to Ivory Coast. This tournament is crucial for the team to gain invaluable match experience and finalize squad selections.
The Lady Sables’ extended provisional squad features notable players across the forwards and backs categories, showcasing a blend of seasoned athletes and emerging young talent. The technical team includes Head Coach Nsikelelo Sibanda and a proficient supporting staff, ensuring comprehensive preparation for the upcoming tournament.
In summary, the Zimbabwe senior women’s rugby team is rigorously preparing for the Rugby Africa Division One Women’s Tournament in Ivory Coast. With a provisional squad that balances experience and youth, and strategic training under Coach Nsikelelo Sibanda, the team is poised for competitive performance. Their participation in the Nedbank Challenge Cup will further enhance readiness as they aim for a strong showing in the tournament.
Original Source: www.newzimbabwe.com
