Some of the top players who were involved in Zimbabwe’s 2014 World Cup campaign have since not featured for the Sables and coach Cyprian “Supa” Mandenge has challenged them to show their true love for the country.

Forwards Graham Lawler, Lawrence Cleminson, Lambert Groenewald and the backline duo of Pieter du Toit and Guy Cronje have not donned the Sables jersey since the World Cup qualifier two years ago but Andrew Rose will be out of the campaign this year as well.

“I sent mail communicating to the players about the season plan and their availability but they did not respond. I would want to have all these players at my disposal. This is a national teams and the door is still open for them.

“One (foreign) player who has been very committed to the Sables cause is Andy Rose, it is very unfortunate he is not part of the squad now and he communicated he would not be available due to work.

“One thing I would like is for us to grow as a unit till we get to 2019, not to have players who come when we are at the verge, not that they would not make the squad but we need to grow in this together,” said the Old Hararians coach.

However, there are a number of players that were with the Under-20 side that have been included in the squad and these include Shingi Katsvere, while new names also include Old Georgians’ Graham Cochrane.

“We have called up young players because we are looking at building a squad for the 2019 World Cup, so that we have depth and avoid a situation like we have right now (of calling retired players).”