Newly appointed Zimbabwe Senior Women’s Rugby Head Coach, Nsikelelo Sibanda, has unveiled an extended training squad and technical team as the Lady Sables gear up for the Rugby Africa Division One Women’s Tournament in Ivory Coast.

The competition, set to take place from April 9 to 20, will see Zimbabwe face off against Uganda, Tunisia, and hosts Ivory Coast, with the tournament winner securing a place in the Rugby Africa Cup alongside South Africa, Kenya, and Madagascar.

With limited time and resources, Sibanda emphasized the urgency of maximizing every training opportunity.

“We have very little time and resources to pull off an upset in this upcoming tournament, and the whole squad is taking every training opportunity and second on the field very seriously,” he said.

The provisional squad includes a blend of experienced players and rising stars, with several Under-20 players from the recent Harare Provincial Tournament earning a call-up.

“This huge provisional squad includes Under-20 players who just came from the Provincial Tournaments and are raising their hands to play. But we will need anything close to a miracle to reach the standard we want in such a short period,” Sibanda added.

Before heading to Ivory Coast, the Lady Sables will participate in the Nedbank Challenge Cup from March 29 to April 5, their final competitive test before the crucial tournament.

“Thanks to Nedbank, we have a chance to get some competitive local game time and trim our final squad. I am working on a culture of winning and a relentless desire to enjoy that feeling,” Sibanda stated.

“We are going there to compete and come out with something to motivate us—to grow the team’s pride and bring smiles back home,” he added.

With the final squad selection set to take place after the Nedbank Challenge Cup, the focus is now on ensuring the Lady Sables are fully prepared to make a mark on the continental stage. Sibanda’s squad faces a tough challenge but remains determined to prove themselves.

(Source: ZRU – Zimbabwe Rugby Union)