CAPE TOWN – Zimbabwe Sevens rugby side – the Cheetahs – touched down here on Thursday night ahead of the Assupol Sevens International Tournament at the Markotter Stadium in Stellenbosch.

With a number of new faces in the Cheetahs side, Zimbabwe are set to take on hosts South Africa, Western Province and Western Province Invitational on Day One of the competition on Friday in a competition being used by the Blitzbokke as their main Olympic qualifier.

However, Kenya – the only other African side for the Olympic – withdrew from the tournament at the last minute after they indicated they would be taking part in their own month long camp in Nandi, Kenya.

Both Kenya Sevens and Kenya Lionesses (women’s team) are set for a month-long Camp at Nandi Bears in Nandi County facilitated by National Olympics Committee of Kenya.

The Assupol Sevens tournament will feature two divisions, the international competition – that includes Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe as the national teams – and the club section.

Fixtures: Western Province v South Africa, Western Province Inv v Namibia, Western Province v Zimbabwe, Western Province Inv v Living Academy, South Africa v Zimbabwe, Living Academy v Namibia, Western Province Inv v Zimbabwe.

Clubs

Pool A: Tygerberg, Whistling Wheels, Northerns, Caledonian Roses.

Pool B: Kuilsrivier, Macassar, Eersterivier, Young Stars.

Pool C: UWC, Hands & Hearts, Elsiesrivier, Goodwood.

Pool D:  Strand, St Georges, Belhar, Helderberg