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CAPE TOWN — Zimbabwe ended Day One of the Assupol Sevens international tournament without a win and will face hosts South Africa in their last group game this morning at the Markotter Stadium in Stellenbosch.

A win here would not change much anything on the log standings as they will still finish bottom of the table having already suffered three defeats — two to Western Province and one to the Blitzbokke — but will still progress to the Cup semi-final.

The Cheetahs, suffered a 5-15 loss at the hands of Western Province in their first game of the tournament yesterday during lunch before South Africa’s Blitzbokke registered a 38-0 thrashing of Zimbabwe.

Taking an early 5-0 lead through a Manasah Sita unconverted try, Zimbabwe surrendered the lead just before half time and went into the break with both sides tied 5-5.

However, the host province took control of proceedings in the second stanza with two unanswered tries that, however, they failed to convert.

Having won their first game 29-0 over Western Province, Blitzbokke ended the day unbeaten while Zimbabwe would at least want to get a in the group stages but they will have it tough against Blitzbokke this morning.

In the cold and rainy conditions, games had to be stopped for a while following a hailstorm but the wet, chilly and muddy condition suited the more physical hosts who took advantage of the Cheetahs.

And it was not to be a good day for the Cheetahs as they went on to suffer another loss at the hands of Western Province, losing 36-12.

Zimbabwe only responded through tries by Tafadzwa Chitokwindo and Stephan Hunduza but these were not enough to give Zimbabwe bit of confidence going into the final day of the competition.

With a number of new players in the Cheetahs side including Takudzwa Chieza and Senna Esterhuizen, tournament has proven to be a good platform for coach Daniel Hondo to look at some of the up and coming players who had been waiting on the wings.

Chiedza finally made his first international appearance for Zimbabwe at senior level with a debut cap for the Zimbabwe Sevens rugby side.

The young centre believes the senior player’s experience is all that wil help the young players grow in the game.

“The senior players will obviously have a huge role to play, their energy and attitude on the park is going to play a big role because they’ve to lead from the front. It’s an honour I wouldn’t have asked it in a better time getting a chance to play against the world’s best it’s a blessing,” said the former Young Sables centre.

Sita, Chitokwindo, Lenience Tambwera and Biselele Tshamala are also some of the senior players at the tournament as captain Hilton Mudariki, Jacques Leitao and Boyd Rouse were not available.

“I expect to grow as a rugby player I believe since I’m in a position where I will push myself to the limit, I can only get to a higher level. So my goal is to only get better after this and be the best I can be throughout my career.

“Targets and expectations only come after some performance. This is my first Sevens tournament and I’m looking forward to more challenges ahead,” said Chieza.

The former Prince Edward player was last year set to make his international debut at senior level with the Sables against Tunisia but suffered a knee injury and was ruled out but he feels nothing could stop him this year.

“I did it was unfortunate actually I had come a long way.”

Cheetahs Squad: Manasah Sita, Tafadzwa Chitokwindo, Tendai Dzongodza, Takudzwa Kumadiro, Kudakwashe Chiwanza, Stephan Hunduza, Lenience Tambwera, Biselele Tshamala, Takudzwa Chieza, Senna Esterhuizen.

Results

Pool A: SA 29, WP 0; WP 15, Zimbabwe 5; SA 38, Zimbabwe 0; SA 33, WP 0; WP 36, Zimbabwe 12

Pool B: WP Inv 15, Namibia Inv 5; WP Inv 19, Living Legends 15; Living Legends 12, Namibia Inv 7; WP Inv 33, Namibia Inv 20. — sportszone.co.zw