Zimbabwe’s senior men’s rugby team clinched the Rugby Africa Cup trophy on Sunday at Mandela National Stadium, Kampala, with a commanding 29-3 victory over Algeria in the final. This win marks Zimbabwe’s second Rugby Africa Cup title, the first being secured in 2012.
The Sables delivered an impressive performance, leading 12-3 at halftime and adding 17 more points in the second half to seal the win. Team captain Hilton Mudariki expressed profound joy and gratitude, calling the triumph a “dream come true” for the entire team and the rugby community. He dedicated the victory to the millions of Zimbabweans who have supported the team throughout their journey.
“This is just the beginning, and we are committed to building on this success. This win is not just for the team; it is for the 16 million Zimbabweans dotted around the world. This is for you,” said Mudariki.
Among the victorious squad, veteran player Brian Makamure stands out as the only member to have won the Rugby Africa Cup previously, in 2012. Makamure now boasts a unique record as the only player to secure the Rugby Africa Cup twice with the Sables.
In the third-place playoff, Namibia defeated Kenya 38-27 to claim bronze, while Kenya finished fourth. The host nation, Uganda, secured fifth place with a narrow 34-31 win over Burkina Faso, who ended the tournament in eighth place. Burkina Faso was beaten by Ivory Coast, who took the seventh spot after a 25-10 victory.
Zimbabwe’s triumph in Kampala is not only a testament to their skill and determination but also a significant milestone for the country’s rugby heritage. The Sables’ victory is expected to bolster rugby’s profile in Zimbabwe and inspire future generations of players.
In other news – Crushing passport fee hike hits Zimbabweans living in South Africa
Zimbabweans residing in South Africa are bracing for higher costs associated with passport applications following a recent decision by their government. The Zimbabwe Consulate in Johannesburg has announced that all e-passport applications will now be processed as express or emergency cases. This change means that applicants will need to pay a fee of US$250 and the application fee.
In contrast, an ordinary passport application in Zimbabwe, which typically takes seven days to process, costs US$150 plus an additional $20 application fee. Read More
