Good times roll for Mukondiwa sables

sables-celebrateSABLES prolific number eight Norman Mukondiwa expects the good times to continue rolling, not only for himself but for the senior national rugby side, when they take on Tunisia in their second Africa Cup Group 1A encounter on Saturday.

Having last played for the Sables in 2012 when they won the Africa Cup in Tunisia, Mukondiwa has had memorable moments in South Africa where he has won several accolades.

Mukondiwa was one of the players who joined camp yesterday together with the likes of flanker Jacques Leitao, hooker Nico Nyemba, winger Gardner Nechironga, Tatenda “Kiwi” Murwira and Antipas Kamkwindo.

The last time Mukondiwa was part of the Sables was three years ago when Zimbabwe conquered Africa, their first win at this level in almost 25 years.

“It’s so exciting for me to be back in the Sables, to see all these changes that have taken place in Zimbabwean rugby and this shows Zimbabwe rugby is on the right path,” said Mukondiwa.

“There is a good composition of players in the side, the seniors, the more experienced and those that are just graduating from the junior teams meaning there is a good team to build on for the 2019 World Cup.

“Life has been going on well for me since I last played for Zimbabwe and winning the Africa Cup. Since then my rugby life has been on an up because we went on to win the club championship and I have been the Player-of-the-Year in our competition twice in a row (2012 and 2013).

“I’ve been in a good space full of life, I’m strong and I hope that I will make a difference in the Sables this time around.”

With captain and loose-head prop Denford Mutamangira, who is on trials with the Sharks in South Africa, lock Biselele Tshamala and Njabulo Ndlovu, who are expected to join camp today, Mukondiwa is already feeling motivated.

“I don’t have high expectations, but I expect to get as much as I give. Camp has so far gone well for me and it’s good to be part of a hard working group.”

Coach Cyprian “Supa” Mandenge was impressed with the way his day with the players went.

“Today (yesterday) was much better, I was impressed because the session was more intense. Things can only get better.

“If you have guys that are able to grasp and understand the concepts be it in defence or attack in one day and gel then it only make life easier for all of us.

“There is quality in this side, quality in the senior players and quality in the rookies which only means even the young players are outstanding.

“We have the likes of (Tawanda) Nkosi and (Tatenda) Matoramusha who are doing well amongst the seniors and they can only get better going forward.

“Things can only get worse for me as the coach because there will be a lot of talent to pick from but its exciting to have such players in the same team.”

Sables Squad

Forwards: Denford Mutamangira (captain), Kevin Nqindi, Farai Mudariki, Tatenda Murwira, Lawrence Clemenson, Royal Mwale, Antipas Kamkwindo, Biselele Tshamala, Andrew Rose, Fortune Chipendu, Jacques Leitao, Njabulo Ndlovu, Nico Nyemba, Norman Mukondiwa.

Backs: Charles Jiji, Hilton Mudariki, Tichafara Makwanya, Lenience Tambwera, Boyd Rouse, Gavin Nyawata, Stephen Hunduza, Tafadzwa Chitokwindo, Tangai Nemadire, Cleopas Makotose, Jonathan McWade, Takudzwa Chieza, Tawanda Nkosi, Tatenda Matoramusha.

 

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