The Zimbabwe Under-20 rugby team is sweating over the unavailability of inspirational vice-captain Tomuvonga Msasanure who is still doubtful for Thursday’s U20 Canada Conference clash against Uruguay due to visa issues.
The hardworking prop missed the Junior Sables’ 32-24 win against Canada on Saturday along with five other key players Brendan Marume, Simbarashe Siraha, Liberty Sibanda, Tawanda Banda, and Nqobile Manyara.
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While the other five players have now since joined the squad in Canada, Msasanure remains grounded in Harare as he is yet to be granted a visa by the Canadian Embassy in Harare.
Junior Sables head coach Shaun de Souza said he was hopeful that the relevant authorities would expedite Msasanure’s visa application as he is an integral member of the team.
“His absence was very evident in the Canada match as we struggled in the scrums and were found wanting,” the former Zimbabwe international said in an interview with ZimSportLive from Canada on Monday.
“The Uruguay team are twice our size and his input to the team with his size and scrummaging ability is definitely needed. Whoever can assist and help expedite his visa process would definitely help the team in a big way.”
The former Christian Brothers College starlet was an integral member of the Junior Sables squad who were crowned African champions after defeating Namibia in the final of the Rugby Africa Under-20 Barthes Trophy in Kenya in April.
Last season Msasanure featured for the University of Western Cape in the Varsity Cup.