ZIMBABWE national Sevens caretaker coach Gilbert Nyamutsamba has expressed confidence that his charges will hold their own at the Tangiers Sevens tournaments in Morocco despite missing key players and head coach.

Nemadire and Makotose could not be available owing to club commitments while the Polokwane based Nechironga has been ruled out through injury. The United Kingdom based coach Middleton has other commitments as he is attending an International Rugby Board (IRB) level Three coaching course.

However, Nyamutsamba, who for long has deputized Middleton, said the team has enough depth to see off the challenge of any team.

“Though I could have wanted the players in the team, we have enough ammunition at our disposal. A lot of youngsters are coming through. You will be looking at talented players such as Tendai Takavarasha, Manasa Sita and fly half Roland Benade. Also available is the United Kingdom based Daniel Hondo.

“I also have to admit that we will miss the experience of Liam, but we have to do what we can to win the tournament. We have a good chance of winning the tournament, but the Emerging Springboks (South Africa) will be tough opponents,” he said.

Up and coming Harare Sports Club player Willis Magasa is also a player to watch and so is former Manchester Rugby Club player Grant Mitchell.

The Cheetahs squad did not go into camp this time, but will link up with the United Kingdom based Hondo and Benade in Morocco to avoid costs.

Next month the Cheetahs will be involved in the Castle Lager Sevens tournament as well as the Tuskers Sevens tournament in Zambia and Kenya respectively.

The Cheetahs are using the tournament to sharpen their skills ahead of the grueling Rugby World Cup Sevens Qualifier, set for 24 – 25 October in Tunis, Tunisia.

Squad

Grant Mitchell, F Chipendo, J Leitao, W Magasa, R Benade, D Hondo, A. Ndangana, S Ndlovu, T Takavarasha, G Sibanda, M Sita, N Notjie.

Manager: Bruce Hoson

Coach: Gilbert Nyamutsamba

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