Newly appointed Zimbabwe Senior Women’s Rugby Head Coach, Nsikelelo “Sykes” Sibanda, has announced an extended training squad and technical team as preparations ramp up for the Rugby Africa Division One Women’s Tournament.
The tournament, scheduled to run from April 9 to 20 in Ivory Coast, will see Zimbabwe face Uganda, Tunisia, and the hosts. The winner will secure a spot in the Rugby Africa Cup alongside South Africa, Kenya, and Madagascar.
Sibanda highlighted the challenge of limited time and resources, urging the squad to maximize every training session.
“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 experienced players and promising Under-20 talents from the recent Harare Provincial Tournament.
“The squad includes Under-20 players who have shown great promise in the Provincial Tournaments. However, we will need close to a miracle to reach the standard we aspire to in such a short time,” he added.
Ahead of their departure to Ivory Coast, the Lady Sables will participate in the Nedbank Challenge Cup from March 29 to April 5, providing crucial game time to finalize the squad.
“Thanks to Nedbank, we have the chance to gain competitive experience and refine our squad. I’m building a culture of winning and creating a relentless desire to achieve success,” Sibanda stated.
Lady Sables Extended Training Squad
Forwards:
- Tino Mugariri (Fs Raiders)
- Beshious Mabute (Police)
- Vimbai Dewa (Fs Raiders)
- Ruvimbo Chigumbu (Old Hararians)
- Tariro Chinyengetere (Fs Raiders U20)
- Blessing Mvuke (Old Hararians)
- Simpiwe Gumbo (Highlanders)
- Thembelani Ndlela (Mat Warriors)
- Skumbuzo Muchenje (Zimbiru Titans)
- Mutsawashe Mwanyisa (Spartans U20)
- Mabel Murungweni (Zimbiru Titans U20)
- Sicelumsua Nyoni (Fs Raiders)
- Phyllis Chivhanga (Zimbiru Titans)
- Tendai Garapo (Old Hararians)
- Susan Madzigwara (Police Defenders)
- Trish Moko (Zimbiru Titans)
- Contana Date (Zimbiru Titans)
- Lisa Gombwe (Harare Sports Club)
- Mercy Runesu (Police Defenders)
- Natalia Nyabinde (Zimbiru Titans U20)
- Gabriella Chawatama (Fs Raiders)
- Sisasenkosi Moyo (Highlanders U20)
- Farai Museketi (Zimbiru Titans)
- Rutendo Morosi (Zimbiru Titans U20)
- Ericka Mack (Border)
- Tanaka Mutarumisa (Zimbiru Titans U20)
- Tariro Nyamudeza (Zimbiru Titans)
- Wadzanai Chidawa (Old Hararians)
- Hazel Njaya
- Tadiwa Chendambuya (Fs Raiders)
- Caroline Malenga (Police Defenders)
- Tanyaradzwa Shava (Blue Bulls)
- Nyasha Gonangombe (UJ)
- Elsie Bhasvi (Zimbiru Titans)
- Natasha Mutumbi (Zimbiru Titans)
- Mbalenhle Mzizi (Pumas SA)
- Andile Moyo (SA)
Backs:
- Trish Chiunze (Mat Warriors)
- Ropafadzo Muzanechita (Police Defenders)
- Kudzai Wasili (Harare Sports Club)
- Tarren Munodaani (Fs Raiders)
- Memory Moyo (Highlanders)
- Ruvarashe Muzanechita (Police Defenders)
- Pauline Sianga (Harare Sports Club)
- Delight Mukomondo
- Nokutenda Shoriwa (Fs Raiders U20)
- Chiwoniso Mabika (Fs Raiders)
- Ropafadzo Madya (Stellenbosch)
- Bridget Magaso (Zimbiru Titans)
- Lovelight Fusire (Mat Warriors)
- Cleopatra Kadimu (Harare Sports Club)
- Rufaro Tagarira (Harare Sports Club)
- Ruvimbo Mudyanadzo (Harare Sports Club)
- Robyn Mhembere (Mat Warriors)
- Kuzivakwashe Gonangombe (UJ)
- Nosta Binton (Fs Raiders)
- Kudzanai Chirinda (Fs Raiders)
- Natasha Landsberg (Police Defenders)
- Tanaka Kanyepi (Lindenwood University USA)
