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yesterday received a kit worth US $8 000 from Seed Co.
Having taken a day off their busy training schedule, the Under-20 side received the kit before playing golf at Chapman yesterday morning.
The Young Sables are expected to leave the country for Tbilisi, Georgia, on Thursday where they have been drawn in a tricky Pool B that includes Japan, Canada and hosts Georgia.
The kit they received from Seed Co yesterday includes a playing kit (a jersey, a pair of shorts and a pair of socks), tracksuits, formal wear, kit bags and satchels for each of the 26 players in the team.
Seed Co public relations and communications manager, Marjorie Mutemererwa, said she was excited with the side’s performance that has led them to represent the country at a global stage.
Zimbabwe won the Junior Africa Cup in Cote d’Ivoire last year, beating bitter rivals Namibia to qualify for the JWRT for the second time in a row.
The Zimbabwe Under-20 side are the highest ranked junior rugby side in Africa, outside South Africa, who do not play in this tournament.
“We are very excited to see this young side going to represent the country in Georgia and as Seed Co we have decided that we will take care of all the kit requirements for the 26 boys. The kit is worth US$8 000 and comprises tracksuits, bags, two sets of playing kit and non-playing kit, among other things, and we are very happy that they are going to represent the country at the global stage.
“We feel very proud to be associated with the boys, we hope they will carry the national flag high and we wish them all the best,” said Mutemererwa.
Chairman of the Zimbabwe Under-20 team committee and former Sables winger, Aaron Jani, believes the donation by the seed company was a confidence booster to the Young Sables.
“We would like to thank you for the generous donation and we are very confident and sure that this kit will go a long way as we go to represent the country in Georgia,” said Jani.
Young Sables’ England-based captain Marco Mama, who was part of the side that finished seventh at the previous edition of the tournament in Russia last year, believes his side has what it takes to finish among the top four.
“It is a massive privilege to represent the country at such a tournament and it’s all because of the boys and the coaches who are putting in a lot of good work.
“I think a top four finish is the most realistic goal we can set for ourselves not forgetting that there are very competitive sides there who are also hoping to do well but I am confident we will make it for the top four,” said Mama.
A top four finish for the side would ensure that the Young Sables will have an automatic qualification for the 2012 edition of the tournament.
The Bristol Academy flanker believes his form in the Rugby Football Union Championship will help the side together with experience of other players who were part of last year’s campaign.
These include Takudzwa Mandiwanza, Takudzwa Jaravaza, Charles Jiji and Tatenda Karuru.
“We have a talented team this year. We all get along with each other off the field and I am happy that this blends into the pitch as well.
“I am happy about my (club) performance, it’s a professional set-up and because I have had several starts for Bristol,” said Mama.
Zimbabwe open their campaign at the two-week long tournament with a date against Japan and the soft-spoken Mama is cautious ahead of the world event.
“No doubt Japan are a good side they finished second at last year’s tournament, Canada have always been good and Georgia will be home so they have a sixteenth man so we have a challenge to overcome.
“And I would also like to thank our sponsors for the job they have done and Seed Co for the beautiful kit they have given us,” said Mama.
Under-20 Squad
Zer Makomva, Tatenda Karuru, Murray Bryce-Rodgers, Takudzwa Jaravaza, Regis Mutangadura, Farai Jijita, Sean Joubert, Takudzwa Mandiwanza, Charles Jiji, Thomas Nelson, Dylan Coetzee, Kuda Chiwanza, Justin Coles, Corey van Rensburg. Simba Gonese, Ian Muza, Delroy Sibanda, Kuda Mudariki, Sean Linfield, Takura Tela, Marco Mama, Graham Logan, Lungile Tshuma, Victor Mushoriwa, Marcus Nel.
Coach: Brighton Chivandire; Assistant: Godwin Murambiwa; Doctor: Austin Jeans; Physio: Margie Gibson.