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It will be a tough test for the Zimbabwe Rugby Academy when they face the Border Bulldogs on Sunday (April 28) at 1430hrs in the debut appearance at the SuperSport Rugby Challenge at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium, East London.
The spirited Zimbabweans have announced their squad of 22 players who will kick things off on Sunday.
Head Coach Brendon Dawson believes it will be a trying quest, one which his charges are ready to take on.
“Being our first game it is going to be a lot of teething problems and teething issues that might come out – which we have to iron out and get right. We have only been together for five days and this is going to be a hard one and guys have come from all over the world and parts of Africa to come into camp.
“Preparations have been a bit tight and we have got to understand that we can’t kill the guys who are playing, so time on the paddock has been spent really well and we have been trying to get patterns and everything together.
“Yes it is going to be tough and the guys are really excited to get out there to show their flare and skills in there,” said Dawson.
The Border Bulldogs are known to play a running game and are renowned for their ball handling skills, Dawson says there are plans to counter that.
“We have got our defence pattern that we are going to stick to and we want to deprive them of the ball. We want to be in control of the ball movement through our defence – we want to keep the ball when we have it and when they have it we want to regain the ball as quickly as possible.
Dawson and his technical team have made a few positional changes with the likes of Kudakwashe Chiwanza playing at full-back instead of the usual wing position and Shingirai Katsvere moved to centre from his usual full-back position.
Speaking on the many changes and different combinations made in the starting 15, Dawson says some of his decisions are derived from his observation of these players as Sevens players with the Zambezi Cheetahs.
“Both these players are from the Sevens circuit and Kudakwashe Chiwanza is a hell of an exciting rugby player he loves a bit of space and loves a bit of room on the outside, he (Chiwanza) has incredible pace and skill.
“I also want us to the run the ball a bit quicker and be able to be confident to run in positions where people do not expect us to. Chiwanza bring that ball with his skills will be good for us and put us back on the front foot. Shingirai Katsvere is a great player, he has put on some size and he is in good condition as one of our stars in sevens.
“Playing him (Katsvere) as our outside centre is a real blessing because he has good defence and great in attack – he has got good footwork so he can get on the outside and I am very confident that he will be able to do that for us,” said Dawson.
The squad:
Forwards: 1. Wade Petzer 2. Royal Mwale 3. Cleopas Kundiona 4. Kudakwashe Nyakufaringwa 5. Jan Ferreira 6. Jordon Coombes 7. Brian Nyaude 8. Aiden Burnett 9. Kuzi Kazembe
Backs: 10. Brendon Mandivenga 11. Matthew McNab 12. Riaan O’Neil 13. Shingirai Katsvere 14. Takudzwa Kumadiro 15. Kudakwashe Chiwanza
Reserves: Tinashe Chaza, Tyron Fagan, Godwin Mangenje, Godfrey Muzanargwo, Njabulo Ndlovu, Jeremiah Jaravaza, Kudzai Mashawi
Zimbabwe Rugby Academy Player profiles
Full name: Matthew David Mcnab
Nickname: Maccers
Positions: wing outside center
Date of birth: 08/06/1998
Height: 186cm
Weight: 96kg
Current club: Hartpury RFC
Joined: September 2018
Previous clubs: OGs
University: Hartpury University
High school attended: falcon college
Other teams played for: Zimbabwe Sables, Bristol bears
Awards won: NA
Cups won: bucs university league in the U.K.
Major tournaments played in: Africa gold cup, all age groups craven weeks, premiership Shield in the U.K.
Full Name: Hilton Mudariki
Nickname: Hilts/ H
Position/s: Scrumhalf
Date of birth: 08/04/92
Place of birth: Harare
Height: 173cm
Weight: 83 legs
Current Club and Season joined: Jersey Reds RFC 2018/19
University or Academies attended Include year: University of Johannesburg (2015-2017)
High School Attended: Michaelhouse
Other teams played for : Cheetahs, WP u19, Zimbabwe Sables
Cups won: Africa Cup 7s
Major tournaments played in: Championship UK, World 7s Series (Hong Kong, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth) (World Cup Qualifiers 2015, 2018)
Full Name: Biselele Tshilumba Tshamala
Nickname: Bie
Position/s: backrow
Date of birth: 26/11/1990
Place of birth: Hwange
Height: 1.91m
Weight: 97kg
Current Club and Season joined: Mat'land Warriors 2019
Previous Clubs: Varsity College RFC, College Rovers RFC
University or Academies attended Include year: N/A
High School Attended: Plumtree School 2004-2009
Other teams played for: Sharks Amateur XV 2014 - 2016, Sharks 7s, Zimbabwe Sables, Zimbabwe Cheetahs
Awards won (Name all): Murray Cup player of the year 2014, Varsity College player of the year 2014& 2016
Cups won (name all): KZN League & Murray Cup Knockouts 2017/2018, Africa Cup7s
Major tournaments played in: WORLD RUGBY 7S WORLD CUP 2018, JWRT 2010, 7s World Rugby Series Africa Cup 7s
Full Name: Tatendaishe mujawo
Nickname: Mujee
Position: Outside back
Date of Birth: 14/03/98
Height: 172cm
Weight: 83 kg
Current club:University of johannesburg
Previous teams: Lions 19 champion, lions u21 champion, SA schools, uj varsity cup 2018 /2019 .
Full name: Takudzwa James Chieza
Nickname: Bulldozer /Chieza
Positions: center
Date of birth: 16/05/1993
Height: 171cm
Weight: 92kg
Current club: Hamiltons RFC
Joined: September 2019
Previous clubs: OGs
University: Varsity college /Sharks academy
High school attended:Prince Edward /Kyle College
Other teams played for:Sharks u19 ,Juniour World trophy2012/Durban Harlowqueens/Varsity college/Old Harrariens
Cups won: Lion laga championship ,kwese 7s champions
Major tournaments played in: Currie Cup U19 ,juniour world trophy
Full Name: Jeremiah Jaravaza
Nickname: Jerry
Position/s: 10/9
Date of birth:05/03/1998
Place of birth:Harare
Height: 169cm
Weight: 78kgs
Current Club and Season joined: Old Georgians RFC 2017
High School Attended: Glenwood High School 2016
Other teams played for: Zimbabwe U20s, Zimbabwe Goshawks 7s
Major tournaments played in: Africa Gold Cup, U20 Barthes Cup
Full Name: Muchineripi Godwin Mangenje
Nickname:G
Position/s: lock /flank
Date of birth: 30/ 12 /96
Place of birth:Mutare/Zimbabwe
Height:6.4 ft
Weight:104 kgs
Current Club and Season joined:Belhar RFC 2019
Previous Clubs:St Claude federal 3 (France)2017 , Dijon federal 1 (France) 2018
Academies attended : Western Province rugby Academy 2017
Attended:Prince Edward School
Other teams played for: Western Province U21
Major tournaments played in:Currie cup U19 Limpopo Blue Bulls
Full Name: Tabonga Ngonyamo
Nickname: Tabz
Position/s: 10/12
Date of birth: 28/03/2000
Place of birth: Mutare
Height: 173cm
Weight: 79kgs
Current Club and Season joined: n/a
High School Attended: Peterhouse
Other teams played for: Zimbabwe U18s, Zimbabwe U20s, Zambezi Steelers 7s, Zambezi Steelers
Major tournaments played in: World Schools Cup
Full Name: Riaan O’Neill
Nickname: Reezy / Rizzla
Position/s: Centre
Date of birth: 24/05/1994
Place of birth: Harare
Height: 1.78m
Weight: 82kg
Current Club and Season joined:False Bay RFC 2016
Previous Clubs: College Rovers
University or Academies attended Include year: Varsity College 2013
High School Attended: Wynberg Boys’ High School
Other teams played for (e.g Cheetahs): Cheetahs, Sharks u19/21, Zimbabwe Sables
Awards won (Name all): /
Cups won (name all): SA National club Champs (Gold cup), Cape Town Club League
Major tournaments played in: Rugby 7s World Cup, 7s World Series, Olympic Repecharge, Rugby World Cup qualifiers + Repecharge
NAME: SHINGIRAI B KATSVERE
DOB: 10/05/ 1997
HEIGHT:180CM
WEIGHT: 90KG
POSITIONS: FULLBACK /OUTSIDE & INSIDE CENTRE
School: Prince Edward boys high school (zimbabwe)
Currently contacted to: ZIMBABWE 7s & ZIMBABWE 15s
PLAYING CAREER: National team 15s caps: 5, National team 7s caps :15 2012, played for Zimbabwe under 16 seven aside team.
2013: played for Harare province under 17 fifteen aside team.
2014: played for Harare province under 18 fifteen aside, played for Zimbabwe under 18 seven aside team (bronze medal), Awarded for a rugby colors at the above school name.
2015: played for Harare province under 18 fifteen aside, played for Zimbabwe under 18 craven week side, played for Zimbabwe under 20 fifteen aside, Re awarded for the rugby colors at school.
2016: played for Zimbabwe under 20 JUNIOR WORLD RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIPS (In
Zimbabwe), played South Africa gold cup league for Old Georgians rfc.
2017: played South Africa gold cup league for old Georgians rfc, Captained the under 20 Zimbabwe team for junior world cup qualifier
2018: Played Zimbabwe men’s 15s, played Zimbabwe men's 7s, played HSBC world's series 7s in Dubai & Cape town
2019: Kwese 7s Africa cup and Hong Kong sevens
Full Name: Keith Murray
Nickname: Beefy
Position/s: Hooker
Date of birth:25/02/1987
Place of birth:Harare
Height: 174cm
Weight: 104KG
Current Club and Season joined: Old Georgians 2013
High School Attended: Falcon College.
Other teams played for: Zimbabwe Sables, Golden Lions (Sa) Roodepoort Rfc (Sa), Hutt Old Boys Marist Wellington (NZ), Wellington U21, Hurricanes U20 select, Wairarapa Bush (NZ)
Major tournaments played in: Hurricanes U20 regionals, Wellington Senior Club, Vodacom Cup, Saru Gold Cup, Africa Cup.
Full Name: Tyran Edgar Fagan
Nickname: Ty
Position/s: Prop
Date of birth: 24/05/1992
Place of birth: Harare
Height: 184cm
Weight: 112kg
Current Club and Season joined: Vereeniging rugby club 2019
Previous Clubs: Harlequins, Varsity college, Leipzig rugby club, Albury Steamers and Kirkby Lonsdale Rugby club
University or Academies attended Include year: Sharks Academy 2011-2013
High School Attended: Hudson park high school
Other teams played for (e.g Cheetahs): Sharks Amateur x 2012
Awards won (Name all): Kirkby Lonsdale rugby club players player
Major tournaments played in: JWRT 2012
Full Name:Tinashe Chaza
Nickname:Razz / Issues
Position/s:hooker
Date of birth:27/08/98
Place of birth:Harare Zimbabwe
Height:1.68m
Weight: 110kg
High school attended :Prince Edward
Current Club and Season joined: Tygerberg RFC joined 2019
Previous Clubs:Villagers , African Pacific Dragons (10s)
University or Academies attended Include year:
High School Attended:Western province Academy
Other teams played for (e.g Cheetahs): .Zim rugby (u17,18,20)
Awards won (Name all):Forward of the year
Cups won (name all):
Major tournaments played in:World Rugby 10s Mauritius
Full Name:George Piet
Nickname: Saungweme
Position/s: blindside flank, Open side flank, 8th man, Lock
Date of birth: 05/06/93
Place of birth: walvis bay
Height:1.95m
Weight:105kg
Current Club and Season joined: old Georgians (2014-current)
Previous Clubs:villagers(Cape Town)(2018)
CRAT a Coruna(Spain)(2017-current)
Uwc(varsity cup)(2014-17)
Uct(varsity cup,young guns)(2013)
Harlequins(Durban)2011-13)
University or Academies attended Include year:sharks academy(2012)
University of Cape Town (2013)
University of the western Cape (2017)
Universidad de coruña(currently)
High School Attended:DHS(2010)
Other teams played for : sharks u19, Galicia 7s and 15s, Zimbabwe goshawks 7s and 15s, Zimbabwe sables and Zambezi Steelers 7s
Awards won: harlequins player of the 2013
Honors sport award 2015(Uwc)
Honors sport award 2016(Uwc)
Division de honor b player of the month(x2)
Cups won (name all): varsity shield (2017)
Major tournaments played in: Africa cup,
Devision de honor and Curry Cup
Full Name: Brendon Fungai Mandivenga
Nickname: Mandi
Position/s: 10/12/15
Date of birth: 12/01/1995
Place of birth: Harare
Height: 1.78m
Weight: 95kgs
Current Club and Season joined: Harare Sports Club 2018/19
Previous Clubs: Loughborough Students, Leicester Tigers Academy
University or Academies attended Include year: Loughborough University
High School Attended: Peterhouse
Other teams played for (Leicester Tigers, Zimbabwe 7s)
Major tournaments played in: HSBC 7s Hong Kong leg
Full Name: Sanele Nkosana Sibanda
Nickname: Smyly / Sibz
Position: Lock
Height: 1.95cm
Weight: 114kgs
Current Club and season joined : Hull rufc 2019
Previous clubs : Old Miltonians, Matabeleland Busters , Durban Harlequins, College Rovers (SA)
Universities or Academies : University of Hull
High school: Milton High School( 03)and Plumtree -(04- 08)
Other teams played for: Matabeleland u19 and u21, KZN Daikers, Sharks XV ( amateur)&Zimbabwe Sables
Awards won: Forward of the year ( Harlequins)
Cups won: MoorCup, Murray Cup & Africa Cup
Major Tournaments: Rugby World Cup qualifiers (2015), SARU Gold Cup &Africa Cup
Full Name: Brandon Joshua Sweet
Nickname: Brando/Sweets
Position/s: Prop
Date of birth: 19.12.1995
Place of birth: Cape Town
Height: 183cm
Weight: 105kg
Current Club and Season joined: NTK RFC (2016)
Previous Clubs: False Bay(2015), Dorking (2017/2018) Clube de Rugby Arcos de Valdevez (2018/19)
University or Academies attended Include year: Varsity college (current)
Western Province Rugby academy (2015/2016)
High School Attended: SACS
Other teams played for (e.g Cheetahs): Maccabi South Africa
Major tournaments played in: Maccabi Games(2013&2017), Portugal cup 2018/19
Full name: Godfrey Muzanargwo
Nickname: Goddy
Positions: flanker /8th man
Date of birth: 13/11/98
Height: 193cm
Weight: 102kg
Current club: Mat’Land Warriors RFC
Joined: November 2018
Previous clubs: Old Hararians
High school attended:Prince Edward
Other teams played for:Zimbabwe 7s Cheetahs Zimbabwe u19 ,Young sables /Old Hararians
Major tournaments played in: Hong Kong 7s ,Bathes u20 ,world trophy qualifier,Kwese 7s
Full Name: Ernest Mudzengerere
Nickname: tsongy
Position/s: 9
Date of birth:12/05/1997
Place of birth:Mutoko
Height: 169cm
Weight: 78kgs
Current Club and Season joined: Old hararians RFC 2016
High School Attended: Prince Edward High School 2015
Other teams played for: Zimbabwe U20s,
Major tournaments played in: Africa Gold Cup, U20 world trophy
Full Name: Aiden John Burnett
Nickname: Bunye
Position/s: 8th man
Date of birth:06/08/97
Place of birth: Harare
Height:190cm
Weight:104 kgs
Current Club and Season joined:Hartpury RFC
University or Academies attended Include year:Hartpury university
High School Attended:St Johns College (SJC baby)
Other teams played for (e.g Cheetahs):Gloucester A league
Awards won (Name all):Sportsman of the year at St Johns
Cups won (name all): BUCS Championship #twickers
Major tournaments played in:Junior world Trophy
Full Name: Kudzai Mashawi
Nickname: Gudo
Position: Centre
Height: 1.78m
Weight: 88kgs
Current Club and season joined : Harare Sports Club 2013
Previous clubs : UKZN Howard College,Jaguars RFC
Universities or Academies : Sharks Academy 2013
High school: Churchill Boys High School( 2008-2012)
Other teams played: Zim U20,Zim 15s,Zim 7s, KZN Wilderbiest, Sharks Club XV ( amateur)
Major Tournaments: HSBC World Series Dubai/Capetown 2018 ,Africa Gold Cup
Full Name: Jan Ferreira
Nickname: Bobjan, Yeti
Position/s: Lock, Blindside Flank
Date of birth: 11/01/1988
Place of birth: Harare
Height: 1.97m
Weight: 120kg
Current Club and Season joined: False Bay since January 2017
Previous Clubs: Peterborough Lions UK, Busters, Aparejadores Spain, Pirates, Durban Collegians
University or Academies attended Include year: Midlands Christian Teachers College 2013, Damelin 2011-2013
High School Attended: Falcon College, Lomagundi College
Other teams played for (e.g Cheetahs): Sables, Goshawk 7s, Presidents XV.
Awards won (Name all): Most attacking player 2007
Cups won (name all): Africa Cup, Murray Cup, Victoria Cup.
Major tournaments played in: Windhoek Tri-Nations, Castle 7s, Middelburg 7s, Rustenburg 7s, World Cup Qualifiers, Repechage Playoffs, Emirates Cup of Nations, Hong Kong Nations Cup, Africa Cup, Gold Cup, Murray Cup, Victoria Cup, Super League A, KZN Premier League, Predator League.
Full Name: Blithe T Mavesere
Nickname: Drilller
Position/s: flanker
Date of birth: 17/10/1998
Place of birth: kadoma/Zimbabwe
Height: 1.89
Weight: 88kgs
Current Club and Season joined: Harare Sports club /joined 2018.
Previous Clubs: Pitbulls RFC U21
University or Academies attended Include year: n/a
High School Attended: Churchill Boys School Zimbabwe 2012-2017
Other teams played for (e.g Cheetahs):Goshawks/ Zim A/ ZimU20/
Awards won (Name all):Pitbulls U21 MVP 2017, Pitbulls U21 MVP & Best forward 2018, Harare Sports Club A league Best forward & Player of the year 2018, Zimbabwe National Exide Sevens 2018 Player of the tournament.
Cups won (name all): 2017, 2018, 2019 U21 champions with Pitbulls as Captain, Zimbabwe A league 2018 Champions with Harare Sports club.
Major tournaments played in: U20 Bathes trophy 2018. Zambia invitational Kwese Sevens 2018. Zimbabwe international kwese sevens 2019.
Full Name: Royal Mwale
Nickname: Roger
Position: Hooker
Height: 176cm
Weight: 106kgs
Current Club: benfica rugby club (Portugal)
Previous clubs : wits university,durban collegians,college rovers rugby club,false bay rugby club,almeria rugby club(Spain)
High school: falcon college
Provincial and international colors : sharks club XV,zim u/21,sables
Cups won: MoorCup, Murray Cup
Full name: Cleopas J.Z Kundiona
Nickname: cloppy/wona
Positions: tighthead prop
Date of birth: 15/12/98
Height: 183cm
Weight: 124kg
Current club: Raiders rugby club
Joined: March2019
Previous clubs: Harare SPORTS club
High school attended:Falcon College
Other teams played for:Zimbabwe u18s Zimbabwe u20,Zim mens sables /
Major tournaments played in: Bathes u20 ,Africa gold cup
Full Name: Njabulo Ndlovu
Nickname: Njabbz
Position/s: 8th man
Date of birth: 27/02/1989
Place of birth: Bulawayo
Height: 1.87
Weight: 112kgs
Current Club and Season joined: Brackenfell Rugby Club
Previous Clubs: UWC Rugby Club
University or Academies attended Include year: (UWC) University of the Western Cape
High School Attended: Prince Edward Boys high
Other teams played for: Zimbabwe Sables, Zimbabwe 7s (Cheetahs)
Awards won (Name all):
UWC international Honours Award
UWC Sportsman of the year nominee
UWC Players player of the year
Cups won (name all):Hong Kong HSBC 7s pre-qualifiers (2012)
Major tournaments played in:
Africa Cup (Gold Cup)
Russia 7s World Cup
International HSBC 7s
Varsity Shield
Under 20 Championship Qualifiers
Victoria Cup
USSA 7s
Full Name: Wade Petzer
Nickname: waydo
Position/s: loose head prop
Date of birth: 14 10 84
Place of birth: Harare
Height: 176cm
Weight: 112kgs
Current Club and Season joined: Old Georgians Club 2016
High School
Prince Edward
Other teams played for, Zimbabwe Cheetahs
Cups won (name all): Kwese 7s champions
Major tournaments , SARU Gold Cup, Cyprus 10s Kwese 7s
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