Cheetah's Olympic Qualifier Camp In Doubt
The Zimbabwe Sevens rugby side’s camp in preparation of the final 2016 Olympic Games qualifier is in doubt due to lack of funds but Cheetahs coach Daniel Hondo says the passion he has drives him to carry on with the team.
After falling to Kenya in last year’s Africa qualifier final for the sole ticket, Hondo’s outfit will be one of the 16 sides at the Monaco repechage on June 18 where only one side will make it for the remaining slot at this year’s Rio Summer Games.
However, there will not be adequate preparation for the Cheetah’s who are going to face some of the toughest second and third tier rugby playing nations.
“It is very difficult to be in such a position. Having no camp means that we are going for a world tournament without proper preparation. But the passion that drove me to apply for his job is what still drives me.
“It is not also easy for the players themselves because it seems there is no support and that makes life for the players as well. Players need motivation. They have the passion but that alone would not be complete,” said the former Cheetahs playmaker.
Uruguay, Chile, Canada, Mexico, Spain, Russia, Germany, Ireland, Hong Kong, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Tonga, Samoa, Zimbabwe, Morocco and Tunisia are the countries that will do battle on the 18th and 19th of this month.
This has left Hondo working with a handful of local players including Stephan Hunduza, Lenience Tambwera, Boyd Rouse, Kudakwashe Chiwanza as the foreign-based contingent will only link up with the domestic players in Monaco.
“I am trying to deal with the local players who have been part of the Cheetahs squad before and some other fringe players and this is where I will pick about seven or so players who will join the foreign players,” added Hondo.
Cheetahs Squad: Boyd Rouse, Lucky Sithole, Takudzwa Francisco, Takudzwa Kumadiro, Tendai Dzongodza, Stephan Hunduza, Lenience Tambwera, Kilvan Magunje, Kuda Chiwanza, David McWade, Manasah Sita, Tafadzwa Chitokwindo, Shayne Makombe, Riaan O'Neill Hilton Mudariki, Biselele Tshamala.
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