ZIMBABWE born former Scotland rugby captain Scott Gray has been appointed as the national Under-18 team coach ahead of this year’s Coca-Cola Craven Week at St Stithians College in Johannesburg, South Africa in July.

Gray, a flanker during his playing days is now a coach at a private school in Harare, Saint John’s College. He takes over the post from long serving mentor Godwin “Jaws” Murambiwa who had been in charge of the team from 2006 when he assumed the role from Falcon College headmaster Reginald Querl. Murambiwa, a former Sables coach first got involved with the Junior Sables in 2005 when he became an assistant to Querl.

All pointed to Murambiwa being stripped of his duties after three disastrous years which saw the Zimbabwean lads only win one match out of nine at the Under-18 Craven Week. With no wins in 2014 and 2015, the Junior Sables beat Griquas Country Districts 16-9 in their opening match of last year’s Craven Week staged at Kearsney College in Durban but went on to lose their next two fixtures against Griquas and Namibia.

Former Sables captain Cleopas Makotose will assist Gray with Shaun De Souza brought in as the team manager. Previously, Graham Kaulback was the assistant coach while Tungamirai Mashungu was the team manager.

Gordon Pangeti has retained his post as Under-13 manager with Derek Chiwara as his deputy while Tanetswa Dinhidza has retained his post as the team manager. Douglas Trivella remains the Under-16 coach with Kaulback his assistant and Crispen Mhike keeping his position as team manager.

Zimbabwe will field a side at the Academy Week which runs at the same time and venue with the Craven Week. Marvin Chirume has been handed the task of coaching that with the assistance of former Sables captain Constantine Dinha and referee Simbarashe Dangah is the team manager.

Communication sent to the coaches as well as team managers by Zimbabwe Rugby Union acting director of rugby Nsikelelo Sibanda on Thursday said confirmation of their appointments will be available as from Monday 27 March.

“I would like to congratulate you on your appointment for the various age grade teams. I wish you all the best in your appointments. Your appointment letters will be available as from 27 March 2017. I look forward to working with you all,’’ reads the letter signed off by Sibanda.

This year’s Craven Week as well as Academy Week are scheduled for 17-22 July in Johannesburg while the Under-13 Craven Week as well as the Grant Khomo Week are set for 10 to 14 July at Grey College in Bloemfontein.

@Mdawini_29