African Champions
By Dickson Bandera
Zimbabwe’s senior men’s rugby team, the Sables, have qualified for the Rugby World Cup for the first time since 1991 after edging Namibia 30–28 in a dramatic Rugby Africa Cup final at Nelson Mandela Stadium in Kampala on Saturday.
The victory ends a 34-year absence from the global stage and confirms Zimbabwe’s place among 24 nations set to compete at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
Saturday’s final was a tense, end-to-end contest that saw the Sables twice pull clear, only to be pegged back by a determined Namibian side coached by former Saracens star Jacques Burger. Zimbabwe went into halftime tied 16–16 before second-row Godfrey Muzanargwo and centre Brandon Mudzekenyedzi powered over for crucial tries early in the second half.
Namibia fought back through Jay-Cee Nel and Adriaan Booysen, cutting the deficit to just two points with ten minutes to play. But substitute Tiaan Swanepoel’s long-range penalty attempt in the dying moments sailed wide, sparking wild celebrations from the Zimbabwean players and fans.
Player of the match Muzanargwo who hailed the result as a turning point.
Zimbabwe has done it champions of Africa once again; Undefeated in two consecutive tournaments. And a spot at the world table. Zimbabwe has conquered Africa once again.
Rugby remains one of the most respected sporting codes in Zimbabwe, with a proud tradition in schools and communities. The country has a vibrant junior development policy, and various corporates have long sponsored national schools’ tournaments, ensuring a steady stream of young talent and keeping the game alive at grassroots level.
The victory has been met with an outpouring of national pride and tributes from across the sporting community.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa who has hosted the Sables at the state house and awarded the players and technical staff with money also congratulated the team, writing:
“Congratulations to the Zimbabwe Sables on qualifying for the 2027 Rugby World Cup!”
Former Member of Parliament Fadzai Mahere joined the celebrations, posting:
“OUR BOYS DID IT!!!! Zimbabwe’s Rugby Team, The Sables, beat Namibia 30-28 to win the Rugby Africa Cup in Kampala, and to qualify for the Rugby World Cup for the first time since I was in Grade 1 in 1991! The 34-year wait is over! We are heading to Australia for the World Cup in 2027.”
Other sporting bodies added their voices too, with the Zimbabwe Golf Association stating: “SALUTING THE SABLES! The Zimbabwe Golf Association celebrates the Sables’ sensational Rugby Africa Cup win and World Cup qualification.” The National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe also praised the team’s achievement, saying: “The Sables have achieved something truly impressive, demonstrating the transformative power of sports.”
The win also marks back-to-back Rugby Africa Cup titles for Zimbabwe, who beat Kenya 29–23 in the semi-final to reach the decider. Fly-half Ian Prior was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player for his commanding displays throughout.
Zimbabwe’s last World Cup appearance came in 1991. Since then, the Sables have battled funding challenges and fierce continental competition from Namibia, who had qualified for every edition since 1999. The Welwitschias still have a slim chance to reach Australia 2027 through the Final Qualification Tournament — but must first overcome the UAE next weekend in an Asia/Africa play-off.
For Zimbabwe, the long wait is finally over. The stage is now set to compete fiercely against the world’s best — including neighbours and defending champions, South Africa.
