BY ADRIAN MWANZA and RONALD CHAWE –
ALL but three players that were summoned for this weekend’s Maseru Sevens rugby tournament had by yesterday reported in camp in Lusaka.
National Sevens coach Musonda Kaminsa had called 15 players to camp for the outing in Lesotho with those in camp kick-starting training yesterday.
The three missing players are Melvin Banda, Terry Kayamba and Carlos Kanyama all from the Copperbelt but that they were expected to join the team today.
RG Sports Management (RGSM) boss Ronnel Armengol confirmed the development and said that the morale in camp was high as the team trained at ‘Powerhouse’ Lusaka’s pitch.
RGSM has been contracted by the Zamia Rugby Union to handle matters relating to the national Sevens team and were the organsisers of the Zambia International Sevens held earlier this month and televised live on Kwese Sports.
The Maseru Sevens international tournament kicks-off on September 23rd.
“The team looks good and I’m hopeful that we are going to perform well at the tournament which will have a lot g strong teams taking part,” he said.
And Zambia Sevens coach Musonda Kaminsa said the 15-man team would be trimmed to 12 ahead of departure for Lesotho.
He was hopeful the team would replicate the form they had during the Zambia International Sevens tournament which was held at the Lusaka Polo Crosse grounds.
He said Zambia, which has been placed in Group B alongside Zimbabwe, Namibia and clubs from rugby powerhouse South Africa, would have to face an uphill battle to win the tournament.
Kaminsa said he had however, called a legion of strong players who would ensure that they won the tournament despite the tough competition.
“As you are aware I have summoned a number of star players in the team because this event will be tough and every country would be trying to win,” he said.
He said there was no injury scare in the team as all the players summoned were fit and relishing the tournament.
The full list of players called has Israel Kalumba, Edward Mumba, Terry Kayamba, Carlos Kanyama, Jubilee Chisenga, Guy Lipschitz, Laston Mukosa, David Chimbukulu, Trevor Squire, Nyangu Kapindu, Emmanuel Daka, Martin Chisenga, Charles Male, Chris Ntambo and Melvin Banda.