Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi-Zimpapers Reporter
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa yesterday feted the World Cup-bound Zimbabwe men’s rugby team at State House, where he also urged the sports leadership and corporates to invest more in sport to transform the nation’s fortunes on the world stage.
The Sables, as the rugby team is affectionately known, recently defied the odds and booked their place at the upcoming Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 to be held in Australia.
This will be the first time in over three decades that the Sables will be participating at the global event.
President Mnangagwa, who has rallied behind the team from the qualification phase, said the Sables’ turnaround was no mean feat, as he handed tokens of appreciation sealed in envelopes to players and members of the technical team.
He said the Sables have done well to inspire the younger generations and other sporting disciplines after they were crowned back-to-back champions of Africa in 2024 and 2025.
“The achievement of our national rugby team must serve as a wellspring of inspiration for our youth, schools and communities.
President Mnangagwa
“Zimbabwe’s qualification is proof that dreams can be achieved through hard work and discipline. The popularity of the game must grow as a sustained national development project that nurtures and produces talent for generations to come,” said President Mnangagwa.
In attendance at the function were the Sables players and members of their technical team, the newly installed Zimbabwe Rugby Union Interim Management Committee, Minister of Sport, Arts, Recreation and Culture Anselem Sanyatwe, his deputy Emily Jesaya and Permanent Secretary Dr Nicholas Moyo, among other sport dignitaries.
The Sables retained their African crown to grab the automatic qualification ticket to the World Cup 2027 when they beat pre-tournament favourites, Namibia, in a pulsating final of the Rugby Africa Cup 2025 tournament held in Uganda.
This historic victory marked Zimbabwe’s return to the Rugby World Cup for the first time since 1991, ending a 36-year absence from the sport’s flagship event.
For the record, this will be the country’s third appearance overall at the Men’s Rugby World Cup. Zimbabwe was the only African team at the first World Cup in 1987 by invitation, before they qualified for the 1991 tournament.
Following the recent qualification, President Mnangagwa urged rugby authorities to seize the momentum and invest more in infrastructure and grassroots development to grow the sport. He also called for good governance and accountability in sports leadership.
“I urge the Zimbabwe Rugby Union to seize this opportunity for accelerated development of rugby infrastructure. Qualification for the World Cup must result in a balanced outcome through both participation abroad and transformation at home.
“The refurbishment of training grounds, building of rugby academies, strengthening of school and work-based rugby programmes, as well as establishment of high-performance facilities for our athletes to compete with the world’s best should be prioritised by the authorities.
“As we do so, I call upon the rugby union leadership and other stakeholders to embrace principles of good governance, transparency and responsibility in managing the affairs of the sport.
“In the spirit of the Whole of Government and Society approach, let us continue to work together as we create more sporting opportunities and strengthen Zimbabwe’s presence on the global stage.
“Other sporting disciplines and athletes are urged to emulate the success stories of the Zimbabwe national rugby team,” said President Mnangagwa.
The Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 will be held in Australia from October 1 to November 13, 2027. The tournament will feature 24 teams for the first time in history.
President Mnangagwa stressed the need for thorough preparations in the coming months.
“I extend my profound appreciation to the Zimbabwe Rugby Trust for standing firmly with the Zimbabweans during this journey. Your commitment and unwavering support have been instrumental in creating the conditions for this milestone achievement.
“Equally, I applaud our corporate partners who have chosen to be part of this successful story. Your investment in rugby is not only an investment in sport, but in the spirit and identity of Zimbabwe.
“I urge more institutions to stand up with our team as we participate at the world stage, said President Mnangagwa.
This is not the first time in recent months that the President has hosted the Sables at the State House. The President organised a banquet in December last year to celebrate the team’s victory after winning the Rugby Africa Cup. Each player was given an appreciation of US$6 500.
President Mnangagwa also availed US$100 000 in July this year to help shore up the team’s preparations for the Rugby Africa Cup 2025, which Zimbabwe went on to win and book their place at the World Cup 2027.
Minister Sanyatwe said that another US$100 000 was channelled towards the same cause through his ministry.
“Your Excellency, qualification of the Sables for the World Cup is indeed a historic achievement for Zimbabwe, bringing immense pride to the nation and reaffirming the importance of sport in uniting the country, promoting wellness and showcasing our national talent on the global stage.
“Allow me to submit that the team’s qualification was not by chance but a result of your unwavering visionary support to sport in general and rugby in particular.
“This was evidenced by the US$100 000 in direct incentives that you personally extended to the team as a golden send-off to the tournament and the additional US$100 000 that you availed through my ministry.
“This gesture inspired the Sables, created a culture of belief and commitment, and made success inevitable,” said Minister Sanyatwe.
Sables captain Hilton Mudariki said they repaid the faith invested in them by the Government and citizens of Zimbabwe.
“It is a great honour for us to be received at State House,” he said. “This is a powerful reminder that when the youth of Zimbabwe dedicate themselves to hard work, discipline and unity, their efforts are going to be recognised at the highest level of our nation.
“Our recent journey to Uganda was a testament of endurance, commitment and national spirit. With the support of the Government, the encouragement of millions of Zimbabweans at home and abroad, we were able to defend our title and retain the Africa Cup. That victory was not ours alone; it was for every citizen of this great nation,” said Mudariki.
