Harare, Zimbabwe – On December 12, 2024, His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa hosted the Zimbabwe Sables at State House to celebrate their remarkable victory in the Rugby Africa Cup. The team, led by Acting Minister of Sports, Recreation, Arts, and Culture Hon. Kazembe Kazembe, was lauded for bringing pride to the nation with their stellar performance.
A Historic Victory
The Zimbabwe Sables clinched the Rugby Africa Cup with a commanding 29-3 win over Algeria in the finals. This marked the second time the team had won the prestigious continental tournament, with their previous victory in 2012. The triumph was built on a robust tournament performance, including wins against Uganda in the quarterfinals and Namibia, the six-time defending champions, in the semifinals.
Trevor Gurwe’s electrifying performance stood out, with two crucial tries in the final. The Sables’ defensive resilience and calculated strategy ensured their dominance throughout the game. This victory reinforces Zimbabwe’s position as a powerhouse in African rugby, inspiring a new generation of players
President Mnangagwa’s Remarks
President Mnangagwa praised the team for their resilience and teamwork, noting that their success symbolizes the potential of Zimbabwean sports on the global stage. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting rugby and other sports to ensure continued success.
The Road Ahead for Zimbabwean Rugby
The Sables’ victory is expected to rejuvenate interest in rugby across Zimbabwe. Efforts to improve infrastructure and support grassroots rugby development are already underway, ensuring that the sport continues to thrive nationally.
