Zimbabwe Sables named a 25-man squad that will arrive in Nairobi on Wednesday June 27, 2018 for Saturday's Africa Gold Cup against Kenya Simbas at RFUEA Grounds.
After drawing 23-23 with Morocco two weeks ago, Zimbabwe will be seeking to bag their first win of the Africa Gold Cup that doubles up as qualifier for 2019 World Cup to be held in Japan.
The match between Kenya Simbas and Zimbabwe Sables will kick-off at 3pm(Kenyan time) with the second match of the day set to be that of Morocco vs Namibia at 6pm. All matches LIVE on Kwese.
From the team that played Morocco, halfbacks Hilton Mudariki and Peter du Toit are not available to face Kenya together with loose forward Njabulo Ndlovu, centre Ngoni Chibuwe as well as prop Gabriel Sipapate, according to Zimbabwe based Chronicles.
Uncapped trio of prop Cleopas Kundiona, lock Johannes Stander and utility back Jerry Jaravaza have made the squad to Nairobi with backline player Tafadzwa Mhende and loose forward Lucky Sithole recalled.
The squad will arrive in Nairobi on Wednesday afternoon. Both teams, Kenya and Zimbabwe, will hold training sessions on Thursday that are closed to the media.
Their captain's runs on Friday will take place at the RFUEA Ground and are open to the media.
After the clash against Kenya, Zimbabwe will head to Tunis to take on hosts Tunisia who suffered a 118-0 defeat to Namibia last weekend.
Namibia's 100% start to the campaign(they beat Uganda 55-0), means they lead the 6-team log with 10 points as Kenya Simbas follow with five points. Zimbabwe and Morocco picked 2 points each from their 23-23 draw while Tunisia and Uganda remain with no points after their opening defeats.
Winner of the 2018 Africa Gold Cup will qualify for Japan 2019 World Cup as Africa 1 to join New Zealand, South Africa, Italy and repechage winner in pool B.
Runners up will head to a global round-robin repechage tournament to be held in Europe in November 2018.
Zimbabwe squad to Kenya
1. Denford Mutamangira 2. David Mukanda 3. Farai Mudariki 4. Johannes Stander 5. Fortunate Chipendo 6. Takudzwa Mandiwanza 7. Connor Pritchard 8. Tapfuma Parirenyatwa 9. Ernest Mudzengerere 10. Lenience Tambwera
26. Peter DeVilliers Head Coach
27. Derek Chiwara Manager
28. Abigail Mnikwa Physio
29. Taurai Chipamunga Team Doctor
30. Brendon Dawson Assistant Coach