Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
AS they look to step up their act ahead of next month’s crucial Rugby Africa Cup tournament in Uganda, Zimbabwe’s Sables yesterday received a significant boost with Alliance Health Zimbabwe coming on board to partner them.
The partnership provides comprehensive medical cover for the national team players, supporting them with injury treatment, medical care, and other critical health needs.
This year’s Africa Cup has assumed greater significance in that it will guarantee the winners a ticket to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
And defending African champions, Zimbabwe will be under the spotlight.
But to ensure the wellness of the players and coaches, the Zimbabwe Rugby Union have entered into a strategic partnership with local institution Alliance Health.
Alliance Health’s Managing Director, Paul Dewar, expressed his excitement about partnering with the Sables, citing their impressive performances and commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle.
“We saw this as a great opportunity to partner with people that represent our brand.
“The Sables have a great opportunity in front of them, and this is one of the greatest teams Zimbabwe has put forward in recent years.
“We are delighted to put our name behind them and to have their backs as they go into battle,” said Dewar.
Alliance Health has a long-standing reputation for supporting grassroots rugby, particularly through its sponsorship of top schools and youth development initiatives.
This latest move marks a natural progression in the company’s commitment to Zimbabwean sport.
“As Alliance Health, we have had a passionate interest in young Zimbabwean sport for many years,” Dewar added.
“We have been especially impressed by the Sables’ performances and the clean living, healthy lifestyle they promote through Zimbabwean rugby”.
The Sables are currently flying high, having been crowned the Team of the Year at the Annual National Sports Awards after winning the Africa Cup.
Their coach, Piet Benade, was also recognised as the Coach of the Year at the same ANSA awards.
The team’s players and coaching staff have welcomed the sponsorship.
Sables Team Manager Tichafara Makwanya said, “The international season has kicked off, and the boys will be travelling extensively,” said Makwanya.
“It’s a game changer, knowing that all your health-related costs and welfare are catered for.”
“The peace of mind this brings makes all the difference on the field, and there’s no one better to partner with than Alliance Health,” Makwanya said.
“As the Sables we are really happy to have Alliance Health on board,” said Sables hooker, Bryan Chiang.
“You know this is a contact sport and it really helps to have the best health support as we play,” he said.
Zimbabwe hooker Bryan Chiang added, “It really helps to have the best health support as we play.”
This partnership is a natural progression in Alliance Health’s commitment to Zimbabwean sport, following their long-standing support for grassroots rugby and youth development initiatives. With Alliance Health on board, the Sables are poised to make a strong impression in the upcoming Rugby Africa Cup in Uganda.
The sponsorship of the Zimbabwe senior men’s rugby team, Sables, by Alliance Health Zimbabwe will have a significant impact on the team in more ways than one.
It will no doubt the players’ morale knowing that they will have access to comprehensive medical cover, including injury treatment, medical care, and other critical health needs, both locally and during international duty.
The peace of mind and focus that comes with knowing that their health-related costs and welfare are catered for ensure Benda can get the full attention of his troops.
With the burden of medical expenses lifted, the Sables, odds on favourites to retain the Africa Cup, can fully focus on their training and performance in this high-contact sport.
Foundation to perform at their best, both physically and mentally, as they gear up for the Rugby Africa Cup and the 2027 Rugby World Cup qualifiers.
