FALCON College and Peterhouse boast having the highest number of players in the Old Mutual Zimbabwe final squad of 23 for the Under-18 Coca-Coca Craven Week set for 17 to 22 July at Saint Stithians College in Johannesburg, South Africa.

In the team named after a half term training camp held at St John’s College from last Thursday to Saturday, Falcon College and Peterhouse, despite not having the best of seasons this year contributed five players each. They are followed by the team of the moment, unbeaten Price Edward with four, St John’s College and St George’s College have three players apiece, Midlands Christian College, Hillcrest as well as Kyle College have one player each.

Also announced was the final squad for the Under-18 Academy Week which is set for the same venue and similar dates with the Craven Week. PE contributed seven players, Peterhouse have three while Hellenic, MCC, Heritage and Churchill have two each. The rest of the players are from St Georges, Eaglesvale, Kyle College, Victoria High and Falcon College.

A total of 10 non travelling reserves have been named to cover for both squads. They will continue training with the rest of the players so that they can be selected in case of any injury.

The squads will train again on 2 and 9 July prior to departure for South Africa on 12 July in Johannesburg with plans for practice matches with teams available since the schools in South Africa will be on a break.

First to take to the field will be the Basil Dingiswayo mentored Academy Week side on Monday 17 July when they make their debut at the tournament with a clash with the Golden Lions while the opening fixture for the Craven Week is the following day against the North West Leopards. Zimbabwe born former Scotland captain Scott Gray is coach of the Under-18 Craven Week team after taking over the post from long term mentor of the side Godwin “Jaws” Murambiwa who had been in charge since 2006.

Old Mutual Zimbabwe Under-18 for Coca-Cola Craven Week

Rivaldo Kwidini, Tadiwanashe Mabhudhu, Darren King, Jack Charsley, Lebohang Mokuele (all Falcon College), Ronald Mirimi, Tabonga Ngonyamo, Mazvitaishe Nyamarebvu, Marcus Nicole, Lameck Veriwa( all Peterhouse), Brendon Mudzikitiri, Tapiwa Marimira, Mike Mhute, Tinashe Hombiro ( all Prince Edward), Dexter Trail, Dillon Brain, Ryan Smith (all St John’s College), Tafadziswa Bunu, Cody Rensburg, Prince Mpfurutsa (all St George’s College), Tadiwa Muchemwa( Hillcrest), Simba Chingono ( Midlands Christians College), Kudakwashe Mashonga (Kyle College)

Coach: Scott Gray

Assistant coach: Cleopas Makotose

Team manager: Shaun De Souza

Old Mutual Zimbabwe Under-18 Coca-Cola Academy Week

Adrian Zivinai (St George’s College), Takudzwa Mashingaidze, Allan Mawande, Keagan Schultz (all Peterhouse), Takudzwa Mpariwa, Matthew Orowu, Nigel Tinarwo( both Churchill), Thokozani Mrewa (MCC),  Nathan Tanyanyiwa, Sean Maenzanise, Marques Siyawamaya, Leeroy Kagodora, Sean Mupanemunda, Edwin Mutseyekwa, Anesu Haki (all Prince Edward), Brian Chakoma, Alcy Melo  (both Heritage), Brandon Sibanda, Kyle College, Takunda Magondo ( Victoria High), Takunda Machaya (Falcon College)

Coach: Basil Dingiswayo

Assistant coach: Tatenda Museba

Team manager: Simbarashe Dangah

Team physiotherapist: Abigail Mnikwa

Non travelling reserves: Victor Mupunga, James Owuru ( both Churchill), Rangarirai Mariwa, Brendon Muchopa (both Kyle College), Neil Mawere (Lomagundi College), Joshua Allardice, Siampunga Sindaza (Falcon College), Jacob Dinha, Ryan Tekede (both Prince Edward) Desmond Annandale (St John’s College)

@Mdawini_29