Kyle Godwin Benade’s selection headache

ZIMBABWE head coach Piet Benade has welcomed the headache he faced during the selection process for the Sables’ upcoming tour to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and South Korea.

The gaffer’s biggest takeaway from the process was that Zimbabwe is indeed full of talent and he was overwhelmed by the number of players that put their hand up for selection.

“It has been a challenging selection for sure, and what has been amazing is that the amount of people that want to play for the country has increased,” said Benade.

The squad, while limited in number due to travel costs, is a testament to the wealth of rugby talent in Zimbabwe he said.

“It makes selection difficult of course with a limited squad that we are taking on tour.

“Given the cost to travel, we are looking forward to it,” Benade added.

The Zimbabwe Rugby Union on Thursday announced the 26-member travelling squad expected to leave for the United Arab Emirates on Saturday.

The coach, however, did express optimism about the team’s prospects as they seek to build on the momentum gained during the Africa Cup.

“We are ready to put in a good performance with the group that we are taking out,” he said.

“We are looking to build on the momentum that we had built up at the Africa Cup by strengthening those foundations with the squad and the coaches.”

The tour will also introduce several new players in an exciting development for the squad.

“We are trying to look at a couple of new faces because we have a bunch of talented boys who are looking to play for the first time for Zimbabwe.

“In a couple of years, it will be exciting to see them on the pitch,” Benade said.

Last week, Sables captain, Hilton Mudariki, expressed his excitement about the upcoming tour.

“I think there’s huge excitement around the end-of-year tour. We get to travel to new countries, experience different conditions, and the guys can’t wait to go.”

Mudariki also spoke about the intense competition within the camp, with several key positions being hotly contested.

“I think it’s very good. Competition always brings out the best in all of us. The more headaches we can give the coach, the better. It’s great for the Sables if we keep pushing each other, especially over the next couple of weeks as guys fight for positions.”

Mudariki said the Sables have been studying both the UAE and South Korea to gain a tactical edge.

In the lead-up to the tour, the Sables have engaged in a series of competitive matches featuring locally based players against provincial teams, as well as against the High Performance Centre U20 side.

Mudariki emphasised the importance of these preparatory games.

“We want to be as sharp as possible before heading into the tour.”

Zimbabwe Squad

Forwards:

Aiden Burnette, Bryan Chiang, Bornwell Gwinji, Dylan Utete, David Makamba, Godfrey Muzanargwo, Jovan Bekker, Kelvin Kanulengo, Kudakwashe Nyakufaringwa, Munashe Mhere, Simbarashe Mandioma, Simbarashe Siraha, Tinotenda Mavesere,Nyasha Tarusenga, Brian Makamure

Backs

Brandon Mudzekenyedzi, Brendon Marume, Dion Khumalo, Edward Sigauke, Hilton Mudariki (Captain), Ian Prior, Keegan Joubert, Kudzai Mashawi (Vice Captain), Kyle Godwin, Tadius Hwata, Trevor Gurwe