Online Reporter
HILTON Mudariki had not yet been born the last time the Sables featured at the Rugby World Cup in 1991.
Seven months would pass, from the time the Sables played their last match at that extravaganza to the time Mudariki was born on April 8, 1992.
Now, as captain of the Sables, the scrumhalf has just dragged his country back to the Rugby World Cup – ending a 34-year wait.
The Sables edged their biggest rivals Namibia 30-28 in Kampala on Saturday to book their ticket to the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
“We are very happy that we have remained focused since the start of the competition and eventually qualified for the World Cup after last making it in 1991,” said Mudariki.
“I want to thank all the players and technical bench for a job well done.
“This is for the over 15 million people back home and around the world.
“It is a lot to take in at the moment but I am very happy that we remained focused and treated each game like it was our last.
“Tonight we celebrate bringing the trophy back.”
Herbert Mensah, President of Rugby Africa, praised the organisers and commended the quality of competition throughout the tournament.
“The level of competition in the tournament was high and I want to thank all the eight teams for the good show.
“Congratulations to the Zimbabwe team for qualifying for the World Cup, and Namibia — you still have a chance to qualify through the repechage,” said Mensah. The Sables sealed their place at the Men’s Rugby World Cup Australia 2027 with a commendable all-round performance throughout the tournament, but it was the victory over Namibia that was all the sweeter.
Namibia had been to the World Cup in 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019 and 2023 – dominating with an iron-grip.
It all ended on Saturday as Zimbabwe was led by a brace of tries from the steely centre Kudzai Mashawi as well as a breakaway five-pointer by the piercing out-side centre Brandon Mudzekenyedzi.
The outstanding Ian Prior, Zimbabwe’s flyhalf, put over 15 points in another wonderful shift by the veteran 34-year-old halfback.
He was voted player-of-the-tournament. Lock Godfrey Muzanargwo, colossal in Zimbabwe’s second row, was named man-of-the-match.
Namibia and flanker and captain Prince Goaseb brought Namibia back in the game, and another late try, but they weren’t able to break down Zimbabwe’s rearguard.
It will be Zimbabwe’s third appearance at the Men’s Rugby World Cup.
Zimbabwe were the only African team at the first World Cup in 1987 by invitation, before they qualified for the 1991 tournament.
Namibia will remain in Kampala for another week to take on the United Arab Emirates in a decisive play-off. The UAE finished as runners-up in the 2025 Asia Rugby Emirates Men’s Championship.
The 2025 Rugby Africa Cup featured eight of the continent’s top teams, Uganda, Namibia, Kenya, Morocco, Algeria, Cote d’Ivoire, Senegal, and 2024 champions Zimbabwe. — Sports Reporter/Rugby Afrique.
