Newly appointed Zimbabwe Senior Women’s Rugby Head Coach, Nsikelelo “Sykes” Sibanda, has announced an extended training squad and technical team as preparations intensify for the Rugby Africa Division One Women’s Tournament.
The competition, set to take place in Ivory Coast from April 9 to 20, will see Zimbabwe competing against Uganda, Tunisia, and hosts Ivory Coast.
The tournament winner will earn a coveted spot in the Rugby Africa Cup alongside South Africa, Kenya, and Madagascar.
With limited time and resources, Sibanda emphasized the urgency of making every training session count.
“We have very little time and resources to pull off an upset in this upcoming tournament, and the whole squad is taking every training opportunity and second on the field very seriously,” said Sibanda.
The provisional squad includes a mix of seasoned players and emerging talents, with several Under-20 players from the recent Harare Provincial Tournament earning a call-up.
These Under-20 players are currently part of the Harare, Manicaland and Matabeleland Provincial Rugby Leagues, showcasing the depth of young talent available for selection.
“This huge provisional squad includes Under-20 players who just came from the Provincial Tournaments going on and are raising their hands to play. But we will need anything close to a miracle to reach the standard we want in such a short period,” he added.
Before heading to Ivory Coast, the Lady Sables will have their last competitive test in the highly anticipated Nedbank Challenge Cup from March 29 to April 5.
This will provide the team with valuable match time and an opportunity to finalize the squad selection.
“Thanks to Nedbank, we have a chance to get some competitive local game time and trim our final squad ready for this task. I am working on a culture of winning and a relentless desire to enjoy that feeling,
“We are going there to compete and come out with something to motivate us to grow the teams pride and brings smiles back home,” Sibanda stated.
Lady Sables Extended Training Squad
Forwards:
1.Tarira Mugari (Fs Raiders)
2.Beshious Mabute (Police)
3.Vimbai Dewa (Fs Raiders)
4.Ruvimbo Chigumbu (Old Hararians)
5.Tariro Chinyengetere (Fs Raiders U20)
6.Blessing Mvuke (Old Hararians)
7.Simpiwe Gumbo (Highlanders)
8.Thembelani Ndlela (Mat Warriors)
9.Skumbuzo Muchenje (Zimbiru Titans)
10.Mutsawashe Mwanyisa (Spartans U20)
11.Mabel Murungweni (Zimbiru Titans U20)
12.Sicelumsua Nyoni (Fs Raiders)
13.Phyllis Chivhanga (Zimbiru Titans)
14.Tendai Garapo (Old Hararians)
15.Susan Madzigwara (Police Defenders)
16.Trish Moko (Zimbiru Titans)
17.Contana Date (Zimbiru Titans)
18.Lisa Gombwe (Harare Sports Club)
19.Mercy Runesu (Police Defenders)
20.Natalia Nyabinde (Zimbiru Titans U20)
21.Gabriella Chawatama (Fs Raiders)
22.Sisasenkosi Moyo (Highlanders U20)
23.Farai Museketi (Zimbiru Titans)
24.Rutendo Morosi (Zimbiru Titans U20)
25.Ericka Mack (Harare Sports Club)
26.Tanaka Mutarumisa (Zimbiru Titans U20)
27.Tariro Nyamudeza (Zimbiru Titans)
28.Wadzanai Chidawa (Old Hararians)
29.Hazel Njaya
30.Tadiwa Chendambuya (Fs Raiders)
31.Caroline Malenga (Police Defenders)
32.Tadiwa Shava (Blue Bulls)
33.Nyasha Gonangombe (UJ)
34.Elsie Bhasi (Zimbiru Titans)
35.Natasha Mutumbi (Zimbiru Titans)
36.Mbalenhle Mzizi (Pumas SA)
37.Andile Moyo (SA)
Backs:
1.Trish Chiunze (Mat Warriors)
2.Ropafadzo Muzanechita (Police Defenders)
3.Kudzai Wasili (Harare Sports Club)
4.Tarren Munodaani (Fs Raiders)
5.Memory Moyo (Highlanders)
6.Ruvarashe Muzanechita (Police Defenders)
7.Pauline Sianga (Harare Sports Club)
8.Delight Mukomondo
9.Nokutenda Shoriwa (Fs Raiders U20)
10.Chiwoniso Mabika (Fs Raiders)
11.Ropafadzo Madya (Stellenbosch)
12.Bridget Magaso (Zimbiru Titans)
13.Lovelight Fusire (Mat Warriors)
14.Cleopatra Kadimu (Harare Sports Club)
15.Rufaro Tagarira (Harare Sports Club)
16.Ruvimbo Mudyanadzo (Harare Sports Club)
17.Robyn Mhembere (Mat Warriors)
18.Kuzivakwashe Gonangombe (UJ)
19.Nosta Binton (Fs Raiders)
20.Kudzanai Chirinda (Fs Raiders)
21.Natasha Landsberg (Police Defenders)
22.Tanaka Kanyepi (Lindenwood University USA)
With the final squad selection set to take place after the Nedbank Challenge Cup, all eyes will be on the Lady Sables as they prepare for this crucial tournament.
Sibanda’s squad faces a tough challenge but remains determined to make a mark on the continental stage.
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