Innocent Kurira
THE Junior Sables are back in action in the Barthes Trophy tournament in Harare today when they take on bitter rivals Namibia.
They received just the tonic they needed yesterday when National Foods committed to cater for the team’s needs with a kit sponsorship worth US$25 000.
Through their Nutri-Active brand, National Foods’ sponsorship covers not only the kit demands, which consists of match day jerseys, alternate jerseys, training kits, tracksuits, golf shirts and hoodies, but also embarked on a billboard campaign aimed at raising awareness about the Junior Sables’ remarkable achievement.
They started the tournament with a 46-21 victory over Tunisia at Harare Sports Club.
Kenya beat Namibia 34-28 to record a winning start ahead of their second clash against Tunisia today.
The Junior Sables out-muscled and outfoxed the Tunisians, running in six tries, with South Africa-based centre Edward Sigauke, leading the charge, with a brace.
The other try scorers for Zimbabwe were Shammah Jackson, Allan Mawunga, Emmanuel Magutakuona and Tatenda Runyowa.
Skipper Benoni Nhekairo weighed in with 16 points from the boot, sending over two penalties and five conversions.
Coach Shaun De Souza has predicted a tough encounter.
“It will not be easy, we compete every year with Namibia and l am sure they will come guns blazing against us.
“Namibia has improved a lot over the years and they will be no pushovers.
“They have a huge investment from World Rugby (WR) which has helped them improve, so we need to be at our best.
“Whoever makes more mistakes will lose this game” said De Souza.
The Junior Sables are the defending champions.